WORK FLEXIBILITY AND PRODUCTION AGILITY OF AUTOMOTIVE AND SPARE PARTS MANUFACTURERS IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study investigated the relationship between work flexibility and production agility among automotive and spare parts manufacturers in Anambra State, Nigeria, against a backdrop of significant operational challenges. Employing a descriptive survey research design, data were collected from 309 employees across selected manufacturing firms, focusing on flexible staffing models and flexible work schedules. The findings revealed that flexible staffing models positively influenced manufacturing flexibility (β = .220, p = .001), highlighting their effectiveness in managing production volume variations. Additionally, flexible work schedules were found to enhance manufacturing flexibility (β = .280, p < .001), suggesting that adaptable working hours improve responsiveness. Overall, the study concluded that work flexibility practices significantly enhance production agility, underscoring their importance for manufacturers navigating a challenging economic environment, and recommended prioritizing skill versatility programs while reconsidering the relevance of job-sharing arrangements.