(a) Define labour [4 marks] (b) Give four factors that affect the efficiency of labour

Explanation

(a) Labour can be defined as all human efforts of any kind either skilled or unskilled, mental or manual directed towards the production of goods and services.

(b) (i) Education and Training: All kinds of labour require training which may include formal training, training on the job.

(ii) Availability of equipment and tools: Labour efficiency also depends on the equipment and tools available to workers.

(iii) Physical environment: The environment in which labour workshelps to determine its efficiency as well as its productivity e g harsh physical environment.

(iv) Human environment: Conducive management style will increase labour efficiency.

(v) Conditions of service: Reasonable wages and salaries with other related incentives promptly paid encourage better service from labour.

(vi) Availability of good social services such as transportation, schools, hospitals, etc.

(vii) Technological improvement, including division of labour and specialization.