Public Personnel Management and Collective Bargaining Process :A Study of Rivers State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, 2015-2023

The study investigates public personnel management and collective bargaining within the Rivers State Ministry of Commerce and Industry from 2015 to 2023. Its objectives encompass evaluating recruitment, training, and performance management effectiveness, scrutinizing the stages and challenges of collective bargaining processes, and pinpointing impediments hindering optimal performance and industrial harmony. Drawing upon the Collective Bargaining Theory, the research applies its principles to glean insights into the studied period's dynamics. Methodologically, a qualitative approach is adopted, leveraging secondary data from government records, reports, academic literature, and online databases. Thematic and content analyses elucidate patterns and key issues surrounding personnel management and collective bargaining. The findings identified challenges in collective bargaining include power imbalances and economic constraints, which may skew negotiations and impede agreements. These findings underscore the necessity for targeted interventions to enhance labor-management relations and organizational performance. The study concludes by highlighting significant challenges such as transparency deficits, power dynamics, bureaucratic constraints, and resource limitations. It advocates for interventions fostering effective communication, transparency, and equitable workplace practices. Recommendations include enhancing transparency and communication mechanisms, promoting employee involvement in decision-making, and cultivating a culture of openness and dialogue. Ultimately, addressing these challenges is deemed crucial for fostering industrial harmony, enhancing organizational effectiveness, and nurturing a conducive work environment within the Rivers State Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Through targeted interventions informed by these findings, the ministry can strive towards a more equitable and productive workplace for both employees and the organization as a whole. Keywords: Public, Personnel, Management And Collective, Bargaining, Rivers State