Television Coverage of 2015 Presidential Campaigns and Organisational Behaviours of Bank Employees in Nigeria

Abstract

Banks in Nigeria have of recent been procuring television sets to ensure availability of TV programmes to staff members. That development is founded on the conviction that television has consistently impacted on the lives of audience members. This study investigated how TV coverage of the 2015 electioneering campaigns influenced the behaviours of bank employees in Nigeria. Using the survey and observation methods, the study took place in three commercial banks at Abuja, the Federal Capital. Findings revealed that television coverage of the political campaigns of the top two contending political parties – the Peoples Democratic Party and All Progressives Congress within January – March, 2015 influenced bankers’ behaviours such that interpersonal communication, staff relationships and work performance were adversely affected. The paper encourages continued provision of television for bankers at work but cautions against unhealthy actions capable of breaching supportive organisational climate.

Keywords: Influence, coverage, political campaigns, organisational behaviour, employees, banks.