WORKER PARTICIPATION IN DECISION-MAKING; AN ESSENTIAL TOOL FOR EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT. (CASE STUDY OF KUMASI METROPOLITAN ASSEMBLY)

Abstract

Like all developing economies, Ghanaian industries are facing competitive pressures and rapidly changing market conditions. Decision-making and its implementation is therefore very crucial to the fortunes of any organization as it is through the successful implementation of policy decisions that the goals and objectives of an organization can be achieved to improve organizational performance. Workers are the fuel that runs the engine of the organization and it is believed that their non-involvement in the decision-making process creates tensions between management and staff. It leads to lost man hours among others which adversely affect the fortunes of the organization of which KMA is no exception. This study, therefore, sought to determine the impact of Worker Participation in Decision-Making; An Essential Tool for Effective Management and its implementation in organizations by determining the causes of low worker involvement in decision-making and the consequences of such action on implementation of decisions. The type of research design for this study is exploratory and it relied on secondary information such as reviewing available literature and primary data. The research findings suggested that worker involvement in decision-making contributes to effective decision implementation and also creates an enabling environment for creativity and growth as worker see themselves as stakeholders and owners of the decision-making implementation smooth. It was also revealed from the research that when employees see themselves as not being part of the decision-making process, they become discontented and apathetic which is likely to adversely affect organizational performance. It is recommended that employees’ views are sought on matters that affect their lives and work and they should also be empowered to vi take decisions through which they will have a sense of self-worth and a feeling of belonging that will make them give of their best in the organization.