Historical and Theoretical Perspectives on Industrial Relations, Labour Productivity and National Development in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper critically analyses historical and theoretical perspectives of industrial relations, labour productivity and national development in Nigeria. An industrial relations system is an arrangement that coordinates relationships between management and employees (and their representatives) on the one hand, and between them and the State on the other, and ensure more harmonious and cooperative than conflictual relations. The paper affirmed that Industrial relations seek to balance the economic efficiency of organizations with equity, justice and the development of the individual, to find ways of avoiding, minimizing and resolving disputes and conflict and to promote harmonious relations between and among the actors directly involved, and nation as a whole. The objective of this paper is to investigate the tripartite relations of industrial relation, productivity, and national development. The paper conducted a review of relevant literature that explain and establish the nexus of history and theoretical underpinnings of industrial relations, labour productivity and national development. To carry out this task a concise methodology was developed for this paper.  This study employ theoretical postulations to establish relationship between industrial relations and national productivity, as well as the role of Nigerian state in promoting industrial peace and labour productivity in the country. The paper concluded that, effective management of industrial relations which foster national productivity is hinged on tripartite consensus between labour, management and government based on truth and mutual respect.

Keywords: Industrial Relations, Labour Productivity and National Development