African Journals Online
The Lagos Business School Management Review

ABSTRACTS (Vol 5 No 1)

Customer Apathy to Insurance in Nigeria: Survey Results
Ike Emeagwali

Abstract:
Results of a recent survey of the Nigerian Insurance Industry reveal the underlying reasons for people's general indifference towards insurance. These include lack of communication by the industry, ignorance about insurance, doubts as to the integrity of insurance practitioners, and inability to afford the premium. Customers' complaints against insurance companies are detailed, providing useful pointers to what action insurers need to take.

Women speak about Work: A Call for Reform
Chantal Epie

Abstract:
The concept of work tends to be equated to that of paid employment in the organisational behaviour literature, reflecting the prevalence of male paradigms of work. A qualitative study was undertaken to capture the views on work held by Nigerian educated city women who wish to assume responsibly a variety of roles including those of paid workers, homemakers and mothers. A new, broader definition of work emerges from the findings. The women interviewed identified the main problems arising from a restrictive concept of work and suggest ways in which employers could facilitate top performance on the part of their female staff

Sources of Funds for Nigerian Companies
Adedoyin Salami

Abstract.
This paper analyzes some of the experiences of operators in the Food and Beverage Industry in Nigeria. It examines the evolution of capital structure and discusses the implications for corporate performance of the observed mode of financing.

Overview of the ECOWAS & Single Currency: Lessons from the Euro
Enase Okonedo

Abstract.
ECOWAS has made little progress towards the realization of true monetary union since the institution of the West African Clearing House 25 years ago. The author points to the performance of the Euro following its introduction in Europe in January 1999, and highlights the factors that may bring ECOWAS to a quicker realization of monetary union, which is one of the important objectives of the Association.

Critical Systems Thinking on Decentralization: the Corporate Business Virus
Wallace Williams

Abstract:
Present-day environment is very harsh and life threatening for most large organizations. While the need for agile decision-making processes and speedy action is acknowledged in principle, not enough is being done in practice. This article calls for the devolution of power by large organizations to their subsidiaries or subordinate units – mainly Strategic Business Units (SBUs). It proposes more decentralized models of management and outlines a new theory taking a critical systems thinking approach. Corporations are advised to attack and overpower the Corporate Business Virus by re-structuring the dynamics between their headquarters and satellite operations in dealing with the “problem arrows” and “pressure points” in their businesses, thus moving their decision-making away from the influence of mere conjecture, and closer, in many ways, to reality.