THE IMPACT OF GLOBALIZATION ON PROCESSING COMPANIES IN CROSS RIVER STATE NIGERIA.

ABSTRACT: This study examined the effect of globalization on processing companies in Cross River State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study investigated the effect of information technology diffusion, trade liberalization, foreign direct investment inflows, and labour mobility on the processing companies. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted, while primary data were collected from employees of selected processing companies in Cross River State using a structured questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that information technology diffusion, trade liberalization, foreign direct investment, and labour mobility had a significant positive effect on the processing companies. The findings indicate that the productivity of processing companies is strengthened through effective information technology diffusion, favourable trade liberalization, increased foreign direct investment inflows, and efficient labour mobility. The study recommends that management of processing companies should strengthen information technology adoption, maximize opportunities created by trade liberalization, establish strategic partnerships that attract foreign direct investment, and implement effective human resource policies that promote skilled labour development and knowledge transfer to improve operational efficiency of processing companies in Cross River State. (Word count: 175)