Assessing the impact of new public management (NPM) reforms on human resource management in Kosofe local government area, Lagos: challenges, benefits, and recommendations

Résumé

The present study examines how the New Public Management paradigm influences the management of human resources in Kosofe local government area in the state of Lagos, Nigeria. The emphasis of New Public Management reforms on efficiency, performance orientation, and decentralization to subordinate departments intends to advance public management. However, their practice in the Kosofe has registered a number of shortcomings and criticisms, particularly in resistance to change from old employees, work overload, insecurity, and inconsiderate policy implementation. This study triangulated both qualitative data from interviews involving selected former and current employees of the organization as well as officials and documents and reports from the company. It was determined that, on the one hand, NPM practices have certainly introduced some positive changes, such as the introduction of the merit system and accountability, on the other hand, many employees have encountered problems such as dissatisfaction and adaptation. Some of these recommendations include lifting of restrictions on employee involvement, targeted employee trainings, cadence in the assessment of employees, improvement in communication and control of resources among others. The study observes that more than one strategy would be required, and the various strategies employed must consider the cultural dimensions and employee concerns for NPM to be beneficial to the Kosofe LGA