Doctoral Dissertations

Date of Award

8-1981

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education

Major

Curriculum and Instruction

Major Professor

Jerry J. Bellon

Committee Members

Janet R. Handler, Gerald H. Whitlock, Schuyler W. Huck

Abstract

Improving organizational productivity is a major concern facing professionals in different fields. Iraq is a country that has experienced rapid industrial development since 1968. During the 1970s, industrial establishments experienced a decrease in their productivity level.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the major causes of the productivity problem in Iraq and to arrive at possible ways of dealing with these causes. To achieve this end, the major motivational theories and organizational leadership research studies which might be applied to the work environment were surveyed and analyzed. Iraqi productivity literature was also reviewed. Three Iraqi participants were used to verify the existence and the nature of productivity problems in Iraq and to make recommendations for improvement. An interview was conducted with each participant. Content analysis techniques were utilized to analyze the participants' responses.

Following this analysis, a plan was developed for improving the organizational productivity of large companies in Iraq. The plan's emphasis is on improving employee motivation and selection of organizational administrators. Three University of Tennessee professors evaluated the initial plan, following which it was refined into its final form.

A series of four questions guided this study. The major findings were:

1. Motivational theories were found to be helpful in obtaining guidelines for a plan intended to improve organizational productivity in Iraq.

2. Organizational leadership research studies were beneficial in developing guidelines for proposing a plan to improve organizational productivity in Iraq.

3. The Iraqi participants' involvement in the study was useful in finding out whether or not guidelines from motivational and organizational leadership theories might be applicable in a plan which might be applied in Iraq.

The following conclusions may be drawn from the findings of the study:

1. There was a decrease in the productivity level of some of the large industrial establishments in Iraq during the 1970s.

2. Worker motivation and selection and/or training of organizational leaders were among the major causes of the productivity problems.

3. Considering and meeting needs and goals of employees is important in motivating people to work. Increasing employee participation in company decisions is important in increasing and maintaining their motivation. Educating and increasing employee job responsibility is another important issue to be considered.

4. Organizational leaders need better abilities, skills, and qualifications in carrying out their jobs. In addition, organizational leaders need to show greater responsibility and greater concern about their people and their nation.

5. Actions need to be taken by the government to reduce red tape, increase training programs, and increase and encourage women's involvement in the work environment.

Three recommendations for further study are:

1. This study deals with different industrial organizations at the same time. A study needs to be conducted on a single company or organization in order to get a better understanding of the dynamics involved.

2. The sample of Iraqi participants in the study contained just three graduate students. Further studies need to include a larger sample of Iraqians who have a direct involvement in the production process.

3. This study involved no experimental manipulation. The interviews conducted and the literature analysis were the main tools utilized in understanding the problem. In order to gain even further understanding of the relationship between worker participation, leader selection, and other aspects of productivity in Iraq, experimental and quasi-experimental studies need to be conducted to find out when, where, and why these processes lead to better productivity.

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