Power dynamics, informal labor, and workforce management in small-scale enterprises: analyzing employment relations through regulatory and sociocultural lenses
Abstract Employment relations in small-scale enterprises in Nigeria are influenced by power dynamics, labor regulations, cultural norms, and economic conditions, creating challenges for worker representation, and job security. This study focuses on the Nigerian context to examine the complexities of...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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SpringerOpen
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Future Business Journal |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s43093-025-00625-4 |
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| author | Agnes Ugboego Chukwu Beede Okwudili Emerole Ikechukwu Dialoke Gideon Ahamefula Emerole Anthony Oko-Isu |
| author_facet | Agnes Ugboego Chukwu Beede Okwudili Emerole Ikechukwu Dialoke Gideon Ahamefula Emerole Anthony Oko-Isu |
| author_sort | Agnes Ugboego Chukwu |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Employment relations in small-scale enterprises in Nigeria are influenced by power dynamics, labor regulations, cultural norms, and economic conditions, creating challenges for worker representation, and job security. This study focuses on the Nigerian context to examine the complexities of labor relations in these enterprises, emphasizing informal employment structures, employer-employee power asymmetries, and workforce management strategies. Analyzing regulatory gaps and sociocultural influences reveals the vulnerabilities of workers and explores employer-driven initiatives that can enhance labor conditions. The findings underscore the need for stronger labor protections, structured employment policies, and proactive human resource management to balance business sustainability with equitable labor practices. The study introduces the power and labor dynamics model as a conceptual framework to understand employment relations in small-scale enterprises. This model provides insights into how employer control, worker agency, and regulatory interventions interact to shape labor outcomes. The research concludes that integrated policy measures and employer-led strategies are essential for fostering sustainable and equitable employment conditions in Nigeria’s informal labor market. Recommendations for future studies include examining the impact of digitalization, automation, and alternative worker representation mechanisms on employment relations in small-scale enterprises. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-a3dca14d2bbe492097686125b0e812d2 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2314-7210 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-08-01 |
| publisher | SpringerOpen |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Future Business Journal |
| spelling | doaj-art-a3dca14d2bbe492097686125b0e812d22025-08-24T11:31:58ZengSpringerOpenFuture Business Journal2314-72102025-08-0111111610.1186/s43093-025-00625-4Power dynamics, informal labor, and workforce management in small-scale enterprises: analyzing employment relations through regulatory and sociocultural lensesAgnes Ugboego Chukwu0Beede Okwudili Emerole1Ikechukwu Dialoke2Gideon Ahamefula Emerole3Anthony Oko-Isu4Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, UmidikeMichael Okpara University of Agriculture, UmidikeMichael Okpara University of Agriculture, UmidikeMichael Okpara University of Agriculture, UmidikeAlex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, IkwoAbstract Employment relations in small-scale enterprises in Nigeria are influenced by power dynamics, labor regulations, cultural norms, and economic conditions, creating challenges for worker representation, and job security. This study focuses on the Nigerian context to examine the complexities of labor relations in these enterprises, emphasizing informal employment structures, employer-employee power asymmetries, and workforce management strategies. Analyzing regulatory gaps and sociocultural influences reveals the vulnerabilities of workers and explores employer-driven initiatives that can enhance labor conditions. The findings underscore the need for stronger labor protections, structured employment policies, and proactive human resource management to balance business sustainability with equitable labor practices. The study introduces the power and labor dynamics model as a conceptual framework to understand employment relations in small-scale enterprises. This model provides insights into how employer control, worker agency, and regulatory interventions interact to shape labor outcomes. The research concludes that integrated policy measures and employer-led strategies are essential for fostering sustainable and equitable employment conditions in Nigeria’s informal labor market. Recommendations for future studies include examining the impact of digitalization, automation, and alternative worker representation mechanisms on employment relations in small-scale enterprises.https://doi.org/10.1186/s43093-025-00625-4Employment relationsSmall-scale enterprisesInformal laborWorkforce managementLabor regulations |
| spellingShingle | Agnes Ugboego Chukwu Beede Okwudili Emerole Ikechukwu Dialoke Gideon Ahamefula Emerole Anthony Oko-Isu Power dynamics, informal labor, and workforce management in small-scale enterprises: analyzing employment relations through regulatory and sociocultural lenses Future Business Journal Employment relations Small-scale enterprises Informal labor Workforce management Labor regulations |
| title | Power dynamics, informal labor, and workforce management in small-scale enterprises: analyzing employment relations through regulatory and sociocultural lenses |
| title_full | Power dynamics, informal labor, and workforce management in small-scale enterprises: analyzing employment relations through regulatory and sociocultural lenses |
| title_fullStr | Power dynamics, informal labor, and workforce management in small-scale enterprises: analyzing employment relations through regulatory and sociocultural lenses |
| title_full_unstemmed | Power dynamics, informal labor, and workforce management in small-scale enterprises: analyzing employment relations through regulatory and sociocultural lenses |
| title_short | Power dynamics, informal labor, and workforce management in small-scale enterprises: analyzing employment relations through regulatory and sociocultural lenses |
| title_sort | power dynamics informal labor and workforce management in small scale enterprises analyzing employment relations through regulatory and sociocultural lenses |
| topic | Employment relations Small-scale enterprises Informal labor Workforce management Labor regulations |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s43093-025-00625-4 |
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