The Local Context for Organizing in Nigeria

Abstract

Research in organizational identity has assumed a stable, democratic, political system in theorizing. Theories have also taken for granted an assumption of a stable economy and social environment of practice that make possible an effectual running of business. This, however, is not always the case. Practice outside the West find many of these theories faulty without local adaptations. This paper responds to the question of local adaptability by discussing environmental variables in Nigeria. To do this, I borrow from research in public relations which has provided environmental variables that practitioners must be aware of in order to localize research or practice in different environments. I discuss Nigeria’s unstable political system, volatile economy and national culture which builds on research in cross-cultural studies. These serve on the one hand to demonstrate what organizational environments look like in Nigeria thereby showcasing deep-rooted values of organizational leaders and members. On the other hand, they also aid in the interpretation of organizational identity within organizations in Nigeria. An understanding of these variables will play a significant role in making sense of organizational identity and organizing in Nigeria. Findings are equally relevant to applied and engaged researchers and to practitioners in adjoining disciplines with interest in Nigeria.