ABSTRACT

In this era of social and economic instability in which the public must be given a convincing why they should part with their hard earned money, the role of the public relations practitioners cannot be over emphasized. The study also analyses the public relations strategies and policies management of the organization in question. The study set out further to know how the various Power Holding Company of Nigeria, Enugu consumers perceive the organization. It proceed to examines the importance of the study and then delve into detailed exposition of relevant literature, formulated of researches and hypothesis out of which three received support while one did not receive support. Moreover, the history of Power Holding Company of Nigeria Enugu also received due explanation to make the study more understandable. To make the research workable, the researcher use survey method in collecting the data. This is so because considering the nature of the research population and the kind of data needed by the researcher. The researcher further adhered to summarize, conclude and put forward recommendations which hopefully will go a long way in charging the nation of people regarding the Power Holding Company of Nigeria Enugu.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Title page                                                              ii

Approval page                                                        iii

Dedication                                                             iv

Acknowledgement                                                   v

Abstract                                                                vi

Table of Contents                                                   vii

Chapter One

Introduction

• Background of the study 1
• The Origin of Power Holding Company of Nigeria 10
• Statement of Research Problem 12
• Objectives of the study 14
• Research Questions 16
• Research Hypothesis 17
• Significance of the study                            18
• Conceptual and Operational Definitions 19
• Assumptions 22
• Limitation of the study 23

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW                  

The Origin and Concept of Public Relations           24

• The place of public relation in an organization 28
• Corporate Public 32
• Corporate Image 35
• Social Responsibility 38
• The Public Relation Practitioners 42
• Summary of Literature Review 45

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

• Research Design 48
• Population and Sample 49
• Measuring Instrument 50
• Method of Data Analysis 50

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA AND PRESENTATION

• Data Analysis and Interpretation 52
• Tests of Hypothesis and Interpretations 56
• Test of Hypothesis and Interpretation 64

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

• Summary of Findings 66
• Conclusion 70
• Recommendations 72

Bibliography

Appendix

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1  BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

In any organization the need to maintain the image of the organization is in our contemporary society a favorite one; hence this study surveys the whole of public relations in enhancing consumer satisfaction in fullness. It set out to find out whether Power Holding Company of Nigeria Enugu, has in any satisfied or dissatisfied his various customers. It will also identify his various customers. It will also identify the total number of people and customers that have been satisfied or dissatisfied by the organization. The study will also x – ray how a PR practitioner have helped or will help to coordinate the organization and its various customers. If the customer’s perception and the Power Holding Company of Nigeria image when determined is bad, then the researcher could be in a better position to advise and make necessary recommendations in the organization to enhance its image. And also to contribute to the knowledge of mass communications and indeed to the knowledge of generating Nigeria in their quiet further effect of consumers satisfaction on government parastatals. The Power Holding Company of Nigeria is of public interest and business enterprise and has such as required succeed through the help of public relations activities.

As public institution deviated to the servicing of the public interest, it must have its consumer satisfaction as its prime motive to enhance and achieve public co-operation and acceptance. As a business institution, the Power Holding Company of Nigeria must  use business principles to operate in such a way that it becomes economically, strong enough to depend and sustain its independence against rumbling, against the background, the Power Holding Company of Nigeria Enugu institute. The public relations department to help faster the activities of the organization in order to achieve its aims and objectives.

This is so because no business oriented organization can make any meaningful achievement without the help and use of public relations man. It is easily identifiable that basic underlining public relation practice is of prime importance in all spheres of activities of organizations.

The public relations man engaged himself in doing well and trying to get credit for the good he has done. This involves making friends, keeping them and influencing them as well as others. It also involves looking good in building and sustaining good image or good will through good deeds that will favorable consideration for Power Holding Company of Nigeria Enugu among members of the public.

For better understanding of the background of this study, let me make definitions by some scholars in the field of public relations. Public relations by definitions according to frank Jefekins states;

Public relations is the process of accessing consumers wants, establishing communication, fostering good will so that the consumers wants or needs can be profitably satisfied. Among definitions of public relations according to the editions of public relation news, PR is the process of using communication to influence and lure more consumers in patronizing a particular product, organization with the aim of attaining and eliciting favorable actions where necessary as a results of this consumers satisfaction in the activities of Power Holding Company of Nigeria Enugu, among others should be pursued. One way of doing this is to map out a programme of action that is consumer oriented and favorable to the generating of the people. In actual sense, Power Holding Company of Nigeria Enugu cannot exist in a vacuum. It cannot gain maximally if it neglects the existence of its consumers. It must function as an institution ready to compute the philosophy and function of management which evaluate public interest and execute a programmed of action to earn public understanding and acceptance.

From these definitions, it is obvious that the public relation man blends the public interest with that of the organization for actual achievements. It also identified the much to evaluate the public attitude and conception of the consumers. This includes expressing the policies and practices through communication for proper and tested awareness.

However, this communication can best be performed if public relations managers is given its appropriate place in the management of Nigeria airway Enugu and fast recognize the enormous functions which public relation would perform if allowed into the strategic decision making level of the Organization. In this contemporary society, the public scrutiny and accountability is on the increase. It is imperatives there, that good public relations should enhance good will and consumer’s satisfaction in the organization.

The image of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria Enugu depends on their behaviour and financial performance, her marketing policies and the qualities of her productions or services, the management style approach and the resultant satisfaction. The protection, promotion and maintenance of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria Enugu image is the fundamental responsibility of public relation. As the conscience of the organization and its public, monitors the diffusions of the programme of the organization to know when its impact opinion and welfare.

George Flangan state that; “if an individual contact and experience with co-operation, the extensive and proposed image of the corporation is likely to be strong, positive and relatively stable, if on the other hand the individuals familiarity with corporation is slight, as is most of the case, the image will possibly be weak (negative) lazy and unstable”.

The only meaning drawn from the statement is that the level or degree of consumer’s satisfaction in any organization is that, if the satisfaction is high, the consumer tends to maintain more cordial relationship and vice-verse.

It is the image of the organization that attracts the population among the potential consumers in this sense, the only image that can last is the one that its stand is valid true and authentic. Candidly no organization can satisfy its numerous consumers without being perceived first by the consumers as trusted and dependable, so far Power Holding Company of Nigeria Enugu maintain the line of dependability, its policies, performance and public relations have in limited interaction with a company constitutes to the attitude the forms about it.

The dependability and progress of the organization depends in the first impression it gives to her consumers on her good will. As regards to this facts Walter Lipman assets that; “no administrative scheme is workable without goodwill and good will about strange practices is impossible education. “In other words, any new development in Power Holding Company of Nigeria Enugu, which is not communicated to the potential consumers in clear terms and with clear evidence show so as to elicit favorable actions mutual understanding will be on effort in faculty.

It is therefore important that Power Holding Company of Nigeria Enugu should acquaint  itself with the customers/consumers for cordially though continues and systematic public relations practice. It is essential that all public relations activities of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria Enugu are within the framework often agreed and understood the corporate personality.

The modern business organization, quick to recognize the changes in the environment, has adjusted; it has more comprehensive and positive programmes by responding to community expectation and pressures. This for short is the spring board of the concept of goodwill and consumers satisfaction. However, the activities of Power Holding Company of Nigeria and prospects can better understand when examined from the point of view of its origin. To this end, below is marked off point of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria Enugu.

1.2  THE ORIGIN OF POWER HOLDING COMPANY OF NIGERIA

Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), formerly known as National Electricity Power Authority (NEPA) is a public corporation owned by the Federal Government of Nigeria to generate, transmit and distribute electricity to the populace.  The history of electricity (Power Generation) in Nigeria dates back to 1898 which electricity was first produced in Nigeria therefore, several other tows established electricity supply by the installation of isolated generation in each town.

In 1946, the Nigeria government electricity on undertaking was established within the then public works department to take over the responsible of electricity supply to Lagos Area.

In 1950, however, a Central body was established by legislative council ordinance No. 15 of 1950 which transferred electricity supply and development to the care of central body known as the electricity corporation of Nigeria (ECN)” other bodies also had license to generated electricity in some locations in Nigeria. Significant among such were the Nigeria Electricity Supply Company (NESCO).  In Jos and the African Timber and Plywood Limited in Sapele.

The first 132 KV – transmission line under the management of ECN was commissioned in July 1960 and was 14KM long connecting Lagos with Ibadan via Shaganw.

In 1962, another body known as Nigeria Danis Authority was established by an act of parliament.  The authority was responsible for the construction and maintenance of Dams and other works on River Nigeria and else was generating electricity by means of Water Supply thereby improved navigation.

National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) was established by an act of parliament. This authority was responsible for the construction and maintenance of Dams and other works on the River Niger.

National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) was established in April 1972. With the amalgamation of Former Electric Corporation of Nigeria (ECN) and the Niger Dams Authority (NDA) with their head quarters in Lagos.

1.3 STATEMENT OF RESEARCH PROBLEM

There have been a good number of complaints from the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, Enugu. There is an inefficient of effective and systematic and well planed public relations activity in the establishment. As a result  of this, the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, Enugu does not communicate to its consumers as and when due.

The Power Holding Company of Nigeria Enugu seems to be undergoing image problem. The problem of financial comst5raints deferring regulatory policies lay down by the governments negative attitude of employed to work, management problems, flight delays and conciliation, inefficient services and generally rising cost of goods and services seems to point out to the fact that public relation has failed its function or role in finding out what have actually satisfies or dissatisfies the consumers of Power Holding Company of Nigeria Enugu. There have been absences of direct incentives to customers which now bring about low persuasive sales strategy.

The acceptance of forged ticket defense tickets and checking adult passengers with infants or children tickets affect the consumer’s satisfaction badly. The refunds of unused tickets takes a very long time, hence the consumer involved usually get displeased because of the undue time spend before they are finally satisfied. Another problem is that the management of the parastatals makes it impossible for electricity public relations manager to do his job satisfactorily. The resultant effect here is that most of the time public relations manager is compelled to take action and executive some.

1.4   OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

Any organization who fails to recognize the existence of its customers will definitely fail or fold up. And if any organization fails to take cognizance of public relations department of the organization, such organization will not accomplish its aims and objectives. To this end, the Power Holding Company of Nigeria Enugu should always give the public relations manager his proper place in the organization and should also help him function fully by giving him the necessary tools, equipment and support needed foe his operations. To identify total number of people or consumer that have been satisfied and dissatisfied by the organization.

Furthermore the study will avail how public relation activities have help in solving problem or inadequate communicate in the organization. To know how far public relations roles will help to coordinate the organization and its various consumers. To ascertain how the consumers perceive the image of Power Holding Company of Nigeria Enugu, if  the consumers perception of the organizational image when determined is bad, then I would be in better position to advice and make necessary recommendation in order to enhance its image. To know some of the communication barriers faced by the public relations department in the organization.

Finally, to contribute to the knowledge of the mass communication and indeed to the knowledge of generality of Nigeria in their quest for the effect of consumers satisfaction in government parastatals.

1.5  RESEARCH QUESTIONS

• Does PR a tool for enhancement of consumer satisfaction?
• Does PR play a role in improving the image of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria Enugu?
• Do government policies affect the PR activities of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria?
• Does the cost of boarding the flight affect people perception of the airways?
• Does the PR activities in the airways Enugu outstanding?

• RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

Hi: Public relation as a tool goes along way for enhancement

of consumer’s satisfaction in Power Holding Company of Nigeria.

Ho:  Public relations as a tool does not go along way for enhancement consumer relation in Power Holding Company of Nigeria Enugu.

H₂;   Public Relation plays a role in improving the image of Power Holding Company of Nigeria Enugu.

N₀:   Public Relation does not play a role in improving the image of Power Holding Company of Nigeria.

H_3:   Government policies affects the activities of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria.

H_o:   Government policies does not affect the activities of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria.

H₄;  The cost of boarding the flight affects peoples perception of the airways.

H_o:   The cost of boarding the flight does not affects people perception of the airways.

H₅:  Public Relation activities in Power Holding Company of Nigeria is outstanding.

Ho:  Public Relation activities in Power Holding Company of Nigeria.

1.7 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The significance of public relation has not yet been well recognized in Nigeria as it is in developed countries. In America for instance, the success recorded by most establishment have been attributed to effective role of public relation but in Nigeria it is not the same. Against this background there is every need to show the public, the impact and role public relations have or the enhancing the consumer satisfaction.

Another significance of this study specially, is that it revealed the role public relations played in enhancing customer satisfaction in Nigeria airway, Enugu and the impact public relation has made on the relationship between Power Holding Company of Nigeria Enugu and its consumers. It also recommended ways to improving it. In other words this study helped to show the effectiveness of public relation and therefore, the need for it in public corporations. This was; achieved through an appraised of the roles it has played in building the image of Power Holding Company of Nigeria, Enugu.

Furthermore, this study also showed positive ways of correcting the shortcomings satisfaction in the Power Holding Company of Nigeria Enugu.

1.8  CONCEPTUAL AND OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS

Definition of terms conceptually

• Public: Particular section of the community
• Public Relation: The procedure of programmed of activities of ensuring a link between an organization and its customers.
• Image: This is mental picture, idea of concept of somebody or something. It could also be seen as a sensual thing perceived as an identity or a coherent which does not necessarily have something to do with reality of a situation.
• Consumers/Customers: This is a person who buys thing or patronize an organization.
• Consumer Relation: This is the state where the customers are pleased and contented with the product or services given to them.
• Organization: This is a group with special purpose of coming together as one to operate a business ventures. It could be government or private owned.

Definition of Terms operationally.

• Public: The number of customers or people who received the services of Power Holding Company of Nigeria, Enugu.
• public relation: The number of deliberate, planned and sustained effort to establish and maintain mutual understanding between Power Holding Company of Nigeria Enugu and its public, carried out by the relations department.
• Image: The mental picture that the public of Power Holding Company of Nigeria Enugu have on the effect efficiency of services varied by the number.
• Customers those who Patronize: The Power Holding Company of Nigeria Enugu by traveling with them.
• Customers/Consumers: The extent to which the services of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria Enugu are pleased.
• Electricity: This means the case under study which is the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, Enugu.
• Organization: Government owned parastatals known as the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, Enugu.
• DISCOUNT: Scares made on question on self – discount of tickets by each respondent.
  • ASSUMPTIONS

It is assumed the after this study, the public relations officer would be in a better position to know the best strategy to get its external and internal public satisfied.

He would be in a position to make very nice goodwill for the organizations, as to increase its profits.

However, the management of the organization would be in apposition to equip the public relation officer, so he can discharge his duties efficiently.

• LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

This study is limited by the logistics, time and funds problem. This is because the subject matter of this study is a natural one; the topic is one which attracts public attention and interest in a natural scale. Unfortunately it would not be handled on a required scale.

As a result of this, researcher limited this research works and findings to Power Holding Company of Nigeria Enugu, because of the limited resources and time available.

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