PROCESS INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY OF WATER PRODUCTION FIRMS IN RIVERS STATE

Ojuka, B. A.

Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Administration and Management, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

and

Wechie, Ibekwe

Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Administration and Management, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

This study examined the association between process innovation and sustainability of water production firms in Rivers State. Objective of the study was to examine the relationship between process innovation and measures of sustainability (environmental sustainability, economic sustainability, social sustainability) of water production firms in Rivers State. The study adopted a correlational research design. The population of the study covered 108 registered and approved water production firms in Rivers State, while 20 selected water production firms in Rivers State were studied as sample size. Primary data were collected using questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Spearman’s Rank Order Correlation Coefficient. The findings revealed amongst others that there is a positive and significant relationship between process innovation and measures of sustainability of water production firms in Rivers State. It was concluded that effective process innovation foster sustainability of water production firms in Rivers State. Based on the findings, it was recommended that; process innovation which are technology driven should be given proper attention with concerted efforts made to integrate it to the operations of organizations as they are vital for improved environmental, economic and social sustainability.

Keywords: Process Innovation, Environmental Sustainability, Economic Sustainability and Social Sustainability.