Institutional framework for learning and development in an oil refinery, Nigeria: Evaluating workers sense-making

Abstract

This paper evaluates the implications of learning programs in the context of work-process and work-reorganisation in an oil refinery, Nigeria. In the refinery, training is regarded as central to the attainment of the diverse managerial practices, designed to improve performance. Training is also seen as crucial for the involvement of workers and their co-operation in the production process. From the management’s point of view, training is the cornerstone for the achievement of organisational objectives. This paper is, however, concerned with the evaluation of such Management’s claims on the relevance, and importance attached to learning and development as strategic tools for the attainment of organisational goals. Drawing on extensive in-situ observation and ethnographic study of the refinery, the paper evaluates the normative assumptions on training and development. The paper assesses employees’ attitudes and experiences towards learning programs in the organisation. The study, from which this paper is drawn, is essentially theory-led analysis and context-based evaluations. It also draws largely from Labour Process conceptual remit.