A good number of candidates attempted this question and scored relatively high marks. Candidates were required to define efficiency of labour, explain any four factors affecting efficiency of labour and distinguish between geographical mobility of labour and occupational mobility of labour.
Most of the candidates provided answers to the question but a few of them missed the key word ‘ease’ while distinguishing between geographical mobility of labour and occupational mobility of labour . Candidates were expected to answer thus:
- Efficiency of labour refers to the relationship between quantity of output which can be obtained when labour is combined with other factors of production.
(b) (i) Working environment
The environment under which production takes place greatly affects productivity.
A well - ventilated work place can help increase production and efficiency.
A factory premises with dust and poor ventilation can affect labour efficiency.
(ii) Working relationships
The kind of working relationships existing between the worker and employer
can affect labour efficiency. Dissatisfaction resulting from troubles
or misunderstanding between workers and employers reduces efficiency.
(iii) Quality and quantity of other factors
Labour productivity will be high if the quality and quantity of tools labour works
with are high. A worker may be well - educated and trained , but if the tools are
obsolete and inadequate, productivity will be affected.
(iv) Wages and system of payment
In most cases, wages influence labour efficiency because it motivates labour to work hard. If the wage rate is reasonable, financial frustration will be reduced.
Besides, efficiency is enhanced if the worker is paid regularly.
(v) Education and training
A well-educated and well-trained labour force will be more efficient than
untrained labour.
(vi) Health status of the workers
A healthy worker will put up his best at work than labour that is unhealthy or
frequently sick.
(vii) Application of division of labour/specialization
Where this is applied in a work environment, efficiency of labour increases.
(viii) Job security and welfare for services
If there is job security and enhanced welfare services, labour is encouraged to put up its best.
(ix) Weather conditions.
Where weather conditions are favourable, labour tends to be more efficient.
(c) Geographical mobility of labour refers to the ease with which labour moves from one
location to another, while occupational mobility of labour refers to the ease with which
labour moves from one job to another.
