Introduction to Building Trust and Accountability
A military strategist, Retired Rear Admiral Babalola Egbedina, has emphasized the importance of building trust and accountability in management, particularly in decentralized command within divisional structures. He made this statement at the 2025 Nigerian Institute of Management Chartered (NIM) awards, fellows, and spouses’ day luncheon in Lagos. The event was themed: “Building Trust and Accountability: The Human Element of Decentralized Command within Divisional Structures.”
Strategies for Building Trust and Accountability
Egbedina listed several strategies for building trust and accountability in decentralized systems, including clear communication, well-defined roles, autonomy with oversight, regular feedback, and performance monitoring. He noted that the divisional system, as practiced in the Nigerian Navy, offers numerous advantages, such as enhanced operational efficiency, leadership development, improved personnel welfare, flexibility, innovation, and clear accountability.
The Role of the Human Element in Management
Egbedina highlighted the central role of the human element in management, stating that while technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) provide valuable tools, they cannot replace the originality and uniqueness of the human element in organizations. He emphasized that focusing on personal welfare and development within divisions directly improves efficiency and fosters leadership skills and stronger team cohesion.
Advice to Managers
The expert urged managers to remain informed and broaden their perspectives by reading quality publications and engaging with diverse sources of knowledge. He stated, “No matter the allure that Artificial Intelligence (AI) possesses, it cannot replace the originality and uniqueness of the human element in the organization. As for managers, they should stay perpetually informed by reading quality publications and anything else you can lay your hands on to broaden their perspectives.”
Induction of New Fellows
NIM President, Retired Commodore Abimbola Ayuba, charged the newly inducted fellows not to be content with just adding the appellation (FNIM) to their names. He said it was a call to higher responsibility and service to the institute, the management profession, and the nation. Ayuba also lauded the institute’s elder statesmen and women conferred with life membership awards for keeping faith with the institute over the years.
Expectations from New Fellows
The newly inducted fellows have been constituted into sectoral groups, and they are expected to identify issues and challenges in areas related to their disciplines, propose studies of such issues, and make policy recommendations to the government. Ayuba said, “The faculties are expected to identify issues and challenges in areas related to their disciplines, propose studies of such issues with a view to making policy recommendations to government.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, building trust and accountability is crucial in management, particularly in decentralized command within divisional structures. The human element plays a central role in management, and managers should prioritize personal welfare and development within divisions. By following the strategies outlined by Egbedina and staying informed, managers can improve efficiency, foster leadership skills, and strengthen team cohesion.
FAQs
Q: What is the theme of the 2025 Nigerian Institute of Management Chartered (NIM) awards, fellows, and spouses’ day luncheon?
A: The theme is: “Building Trust and Accountability: The Human Element of Decentralized Command within Divisional Structures.”
Q: What are the advantages of the divisional system, as practiced in the Nigerian Navy?
A: The advantages include enhanced operational efficiency, leadership development, improved personnel welfare, flexibility, innovation, and clear accountability.
Q: What is the role of the human element in management?
A: The human element plays a central role in management, and it cannot be replaced by technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Q: What is the expectation from the newly inducted fellows?
A: The newly inducted fellows are expected to identify issues and challenges in areas related to their disciplines, propose studies of such issues, and make policy recommendations to the government.
Source: nannews.ng
