Information sources for decision making by senior managers in two Federal Government parastatals in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper focused on information sources used for decision making by managers in the National Sport Commission (NSC) and Corporate Affair Commission (CAC) Abuja, Nigeria. Information is widely believed as the raw materials upon which decisions are made. It is also a critical resource that affects individual as well as organization. Senior managers shoulder the responsibility of formulating policies that organization needs for the smooth running of their individuals establishments. The quality of decision made is also dependent on how current the sources of information utilized to make it. Much of policies formulated for national development have little or no positive impact today, as a result of sources of information consulted to make such a decision. The descriptive survey design was used for the study. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the population for the study. The study found that 53.5% of the sampled population falls between the ages of 41-50. Male respondents were more than their female counterpart. The larger percentages of the respondents are degree holder. The sources of information mostly used for decision making by the senior managers includes reports, minutes of meetings, internal memoranda, policies files among many others, while  newsletters, library and information centers, textbooks, official bulletins and journals are sparingly consulted. Senior manger also uses information to carry out day-to-day routines, for decision making effectiveness, appointments and promotion issues and to stay up-to-date with current affair issues. It was also noted that  senior manager are not enjoying library services in their various establishments. The study recommends that library services be improved upon in Federal  parastatals.

Key Words: Information, sources, Library services, Decision-making, Managers, Parastatals.