Age Falsification and Work Productivity in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria

Abstract

Age falsification is the misrepresentation of one’s true. It is as a result of the fear to retire; prompted by the lack of preparation for retirement and the problem of non-payment and late payment of pension and gratuities which has constituted an old labour force. In view of this, this study investigated the impact of age falsification on work productivity in Nnamdi Azikiwe University. The study anchored on the rational choice theory because, it effectively explains the decision to falsify age by government workers. A descriptive research design was adopted for this study. Using a cluster sampling technique, the study organization was divided into Nnewi cluster and Awka cluster. The faculty of Social Sciences was selected to represent the entire Awka cluster while the faculty of Basic Sciences was selected to represent the Nnewi cluster using a balloting sampling technique. The balloting technique was also used in selecting three department; nursing science, physiology and medical laboratory science from the faculty of Basic sciences and three departments; mass communication, psychology and sociology & anthropology from the faculty of social sciences. Respondents were selected using a snowball sampling technique. Data was derived using questionnaire and secondary sources of data collection technique after which data was presented in table and analysed using simple percentages. The study revealed that, age falsification affects work productivity adversely as workers tend to be intellectually and physically incapable of executing organizational tasks thereby, placing a string on the organization’s goal. It was therefore recommended that, the government pays workers their gratuities when and as when due and also, organize behaviour modification programmes like seminars that will modify the behaviour of government workers and discourage them from unethical practices like, age falsification.