IMPACT OF EMPLOYEES’ PARTICIPATION IN DECISION MAKING AND ORGANIZATIONAL PRODUCTIVITY: A CASE STUDY OF SA’ADU ZUNGUR UNIVERSITY, BAUCHI STATE

Employee participation in decision-making has been widely recognized as a critical factor in enhancing organizational effectiveness and productivity. It fosters a sense of ownership, accountability, and commitment among employees, thereby improving organizational outcomes. This study investigates the impact of employees’ participation in decision-making on organizational productivity at Sa’adu Zungur University, Bauchi State. Anchored on participatory management and human relations theories, the research employed a survey design, using questionnaires to obtain primary data from academic and non-academic staff. Secondary data were also sourced from institutional reports and relevant literature. Findings reveal that inclusive decision-making significantly enhances staff motivation, job satisfaction, and efficiency, which collectively improve productivity. Conversely, limited participation in decision-making was found to contribute to low morale, resistance to organizational policies, and reduced output. The study concludes that fostering a participatory work environment positively influences organizational performance in higher education institutions. It recommends that management at Sa’adu Zungur University institutionalize participatory frameworks by involving employees in policy formulation, administrative decisions, and strategic planning, thus creating an enabling environment for sustainable productivity and growth. Keywords: Employee participation, Decision-making, Organizational productivity, Higher education, Sa’adu Zungur University.