The effect of human relations on employee performance at Benso Oil Plantation

Abstract

This study aims at ascertaining the perceptions of employees at Benso Oil Palm Plantation (BOPP) on how human relations impact on their performance. Stratified probability sampling is used to draw sample of three departments each from two divisions. From these three departments, a sample of sixty employees are further drawn (35 males and 25 females). This comprises of ten (10) managers, fifteen (15) supervisors, fifteen (15) administrative staff and twenty (20) field workers. Through a survey design, questionnaires were administered to these groups of people. This is reinforced with interviews and field visits. Descriptive statistics was the main statistical technique used for the analysis of the data. All respondents were of the view that human relations influence the subordinates’ performance either positively or negatively. Majority of the subordinate respondents generally agreed that the factors such as explanation of job content, constructive criticisms, quick and fair supervisor response to employee complaints, the existence of programs to enhance employee productivity and dignity in the treatment of employees. Based on these findings, conclusions and recommendations are made to the management of BOPP to critically consider individual differences since exclusive focus on the task accomplishments could culminate in individual dissatisfaction because employees would think that the company is using them like machines.