Globalization : A Discourse of Progression or Retrogression for Work in the Nigerian Manufacturing Industry, Lagos State

Commenting on the changing global order ushered in by globalization, two shades of debates on how the world of work is affected has continued to evolve. The early debates advance justifications for the abolishment of restrictions for improved shared common interest in terms of economic, political, social and cultural advancement, and most importantly ease in work execution and other production processes. However, the latter school of thoughts have chronicled the devastating effects of globalization for the world of work. This lends credence to the contention that globalization possess twin narrative to the world of work. In view of these arguments, this paper, through empirical explanation, interrogates the rising influence of globalization with a focus to juxtapose the progress or retrogression of globalization to work in the Nigerian manufacturing industry of Lagos State. Previous studies on this topic exemplify a great departure by largely focusing on theoretical explanations. The Global Capitalism Theory as a theoretical leaning anchored the study. A total of 15 trade union leaders were chosen for semi-structured interview through convenience and purposive samplings. Two divergent views of analyses were uncovered. Findings revealed that globalization has increase global interconnectedness among industries, ascending competitiveness and jobs for high skilled workers and the expansion of the frontiers of job execution. On the other, findings show a fast dehumanization of work and extreme job loss with the increase tide of globalization. The analysis takes the position that for the world of work to survive this epoch of globalization, organizations must devise and harness strategies to avoid being capsized by the winds of globalization.