Authors: Richard Baridura Donanu, Daniel Chukwuebuka Onyedikachi
Abstract: This study investigated the influence of organizational location (urban vs. rural) on quality management practices and operational efficiency among organizations in Rivers State, Nigeria. Anchored on Contingency Theory, Resource-Based View, and Institutional Theory, the study adopted a descriptive survey design. Data were collected from 385 managerial and supervisory staff using the Influence of Organizational Location on Quality Management Practices and Operational Efficiency Questionnaire (ILQMPOEQ) with Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.78. Results showed moderate levels of quality management practices for urban organizations (Mean = 2.89, SD = 0.04) and rural organizations (Mean = 2.85, SD = 0.04). Operational efficiency was also moderate for urban (Mean = 3.03, SD = 0.26) and rural organizations (Mean = 3.01, SD = 0.25). Independent Samples t-test revealed no statistically significant differences in quality management practices (t = 0.562, df = 383, p = 0.574) or operational efficiency (t = 0.517, df = 383, p = 0.606) between urban and rural locations, leading to the acceptance of both null hypotheses. The findings suggest that organizational location does not significantly influence quality management practices or operational efficiency in Rivers State. Recommendations include that Organizations should strengthen quality management systems by prioritizing continuous improvement practices such as mentoring, regular feedback, and process optimization.
