BUREAUCRATIC PRACTICES AND SERVICE DELIVERY ORGANIZATIONS: A STUDY OF AKWA IBOM STATE BROADCASTING CORPORATION (AKBC)

This study examines the impact of bureaucratic inefficiencies on organizational effectiveness within the Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC). Bureaucracy plays a fundamental role in maintaining organizational structure and ensuring operational consistency. However, excessive bureaucracy often stifles creativity, reduces efficiency, and hinders service delivery. In AKBC, these inefficiencies manifest in delayed decision-making, rigid adherence to outdated procedures, and a general lack of innovation. As a result, operational effectiveness is disrupted, leading to suboptimal programming and declining audience engagement. These issues have weakened AKBC’s role as a critical platform for public information and societal development, creating a gap between the organization's objectives and actual service outcomes. To achieve the study objectives, a descriptive and survey research design was employed, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Data were gathered from primary sources, including questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions, as well as secondary sources such as textbooks, academic journals, government reports, and online resources. The study population comprised selected staff from seven departments within AKBC. A sample of 175 respondents was drawn using a multi-stage sampling technique, including purposive, stratified, and simple random sampling. The collected data were analyzed using quantitative techniques, with the Chi-square method employed to test hypotheses at a 0.05 alpha level. Findings reveal that formalism, secrecy, and hierarchical over-centralization significantly hinder organizational effectiveness. Over-centralization restricts information flow, causing delays in decision-making. Conversely, organizations with decentralized structures perform better due to quicker decision-making, increased employee empowerment, and enhanced engagement. The study recommends that AKBC streamline administrative processes, minimize rigid formalism, prioritize transparency, and adopt a decentralized structure to enhance responsiveness, productivity, and overall organizational effectiveness. These measures will foster a more innovative, efficient, and adaptable work environment, ultimately improving AKBC’s service delivery and competitive positioning in the evolving media landscape.