JAMB 2018 Economics · Question 20

Efficiency of labour in a country is determined by the following except the____________

Options

  1. A.Social attitude to work
  2. B.Education and training
  3. C.Total population
  4. D.Working conditions of workers

Answer: C. Total population

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

1. Analyze the question The question asks which option is NOT a determinant of the efficiency of labour. Efficiency of labour means how productive a worker is, that is, the output per worker in a given time.

2. Explain the concept Efficiency (productivity) of labour depends on the quality of the workers and their environment, not on how many workers there are. Key determinants include:

  • Education and training: skills and knowledge make workers more productive.
  • Health and nutrition: healthy workers work better.
  • Working conditions: safety, tools, and a good environment raise output.
  • Wages and incentives: motivated workers perform better.
  • Social attitude to work: a culture that values hard work and discipline raises productivity.
  • Technology and capital available: better tools help workers produce more.

3. Step-by-step solution

  • A. Social attitude to work: this affects commitment and discipline, so it does determine efficiency.
  • B. Education and training: this improves skills, so it does determine efficiency.
  • C. Total population: this is the size of the people in a country, which affects the quantity of labour supply. It says nothing about how productive each worker is, so it is not a determinant of efficiency.
  • D. Working conditions of workers: these affect morale, health, and output, so they do determine efficiency.

4. Answer The odd one out is C. Total population.

5. Exam tip Remember: quality vs quantity. Population size affects the quantity (supply) of labour, while education, training, health, and working conditions affect the quality (efficiency) of labour. When you see "efficiency" or "productivity" of labour, look for the option that only talks about numbers or size, as that is usually the "except" answer.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.

Past questions © the examination body (JAMB/WAEC/NECO). DeeepSolve is not affiliated with them. Rights holders: see /copyright.