Participatory Decision-Making and Organizational Performance in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria

The study examined the influence of participatory decision-making on the organizational performance in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. The specific objectives of the study were to; examine the influence of employee involvement in decision-making on operational efficiency at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, assess the influence of stakeholder engagement in decision-making on operational efficiency at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike and investigate the influence of the quality of participatory forums on operational efficiency at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. The primary data was sourced from structured questionnaire that was issued to staff at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, while the secondary data was gotten form existing materials and publications. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study and the population of the study comprised of all the staff at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. However, a sample of 341 was determined using Taro Yamane determination technique. The data was analyzed using simple percentage, frequency and 4-point rating scale and ordinary least square regression was used to test the hypothesis formulated for the study. The findings of the study revealed that employee involvement, stakeholder engagement, and high-quality participatory forums all have a significant positive influence on operational efficiency at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. It was recommended that management should actively involve employees at various levels in decision-making processes to enhance commitment and productivity. Also, the university should increase engagement with both internal and external stakeholders in decision-making, this will improve transparency, accountability, and resource management, which in turn boosts operational efficiency. Therefore, to maximize the benefits of participatory decision-making, the university should invest in training programs that equip employees and stakeholders with the skills to engage effectively in these processes.