Managing Public Sector Human Resources in a Recessed Economy: Challenges and Implications in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examines the scourge of global economic downturn, the challenges it has inflicted on the ingenuity of human resource management as well as measures that can be adopted to mitigate its effects. The study is an exploration of the coping strategy as well as how public sector can further reposition itself for better service delivery and more resourcefulness during the time and even beyond its aftermath. The position of the paper is to consider the crisis as a blessing in disguise.

The methodology of study is conceptual relying essentially on qualitative, perceptible and objective facts; drawing inference from different countries as global best practices.

The recommendation of the paper is a complete repudiation of the received wisdom in outright downsizing, cutbacks and layoffs which are mainly the articles of faith during the period of economic recession. This is because adopting the measures is tantamount to cutting the nose in order to spite the face. Even through the period is unsuitable for increased benefit and allowances, it is also not ideal for wanton retrenchment and unscrupulous lay off. The collateral damage and social consequences of downsizing would prop up greater macroeconomic socio-economic predicament in the bid to solve a micro socio-economic challenge. The paper is of the position that the period of the economic meltdown is ideal for human resource management to put on its thinking cap and plan for all manpower- both the man Fridays and the non-corekey employees. The paper contends that increment in Gross Domestics Productivity (GDP) is the antidote to global economic recession and it increases the more when many are gainfully employed, than when several are under employed or outright in the labour market. The days of economic recession are numbered the moment there is massive employment and increased productivity