I found the cause and solution to this problem. Quoting the answer given on Ask Ubuntu question 75967 "Nautilus windows are not focused when launched via hotkeys":
It's a focus prevention issue. Launch CompizConfig Settings Manager and got to General Options → Focus tab. In the Focus Prevention Windows field, put : !(class=Nautilus) A user mentioned that this bug is a known issue in Compiz and may have been fixed upstream, but I cannot find the bug report. -- You received this bug notification because you are a member of Ubuntu Bugs, which is subscribed to Ubuntu. https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/817246 Title: Nautilus windows are not focused when launched from 'Run a command' To manage notifications about this bug go to: https://bugs.launchpad.net/unity/+bug/817246/+subscriptions -- ubuntu-bugs mailing list ubuntu-bugs@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-bugs
