Causes Of Employee Discrimination In The Workplace A Study Of Selected Federal Universities In South-East Nigeria:

Abstract

This study is a survey on the causes of workplace discrimination in selected Federal Universities in South-east Nigeria. Structured questionnaires were administered to a total of 1756 staff of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU)and Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo (AEFUNAI). The data collected was analysed with a generalized linear regression model. The study found that employees of the selected universities perceived that they experienced discrimination because of their ethnic group/state of origin, gender, marital status, educational qualifications and union affiliation diversities. The major areas of discrimination indicated were promotion, training/study leave, and appointment to headship positions. Religious diversity was not perceived as a significant cause of discrimination in the institutions studied. The universities should endeavour to generate the confidence of their employees by making their promotion, training and appointment to hold positions of responsibility more transparent. They should also accommodate all diversities in their workplace to reap the advantages.