Understanding the factors that influence employee engagement
- Authors: Dengana, Xolla Olwethu
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Employee motivation , Employees -- Attitudes , Management -- Employee participation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51118 , vital:43210
- Description: Employee engagement is essential in elevating the possibility of any business success. This study investigated and sought to understand the influence of certain factors on employee engagement in a Fast-Moving Consumer Goods firm in Gauteng, South Africa. Employees play a crucial role in assisting any firm to deliver a service or product of high quality to the end users or customers. The existing literature suggests a correlation between engaged employees and commitment and staff turnover which has a direct impact on company performance. This study investigated some of the key factors that influence employee engagement with a focus on the impact of departmental culture, two-way communication, leadership, recognition, and training development. For the purposes of this study, the moderating variable was employee’s attitude which ultimately may influence the level of engagement that employees have. To answer the research questions, a quantitative approach was selected for the purposes of this research. This is more especially as quantitative research is ideal to find statistical relationships between variables and outcomes Quantitative research will therefore be used to determine the relationships between the variables under study. A convenience sampling method was chosen for this study. Research instruments adopted for the study were extracted from several articles which adopted similar constructs. These research instruments were then contextualised for the purposes of understanding the factors that influence employee engagement within an FMCG environment. The researcher ensured that all research instruments adopted for the study, were validated, and have a Cronbach-alpha score of more than 0.7 which is an ideal unit of measure for research-instruments internal consistency. The data collected was subjected to correlation and regression analysis to satisfy the objective of the study. Based on the results, suitable suggestions were given to which factors to focus on more which could influence employee engagement the most. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The role of middle managers in creating a motivating climate
- Authors: Wahl, Craig Paul
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Employee motivation , Motivation (Psychology) , Middle managers , Executives -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:9409 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019979
- Description: Middle managers are important role players in organisations today. They are the link between the executive and the employees of organisations. Managers must ensure that the employees under their supervision fulfil their duties and responsibilities in the execution of their tasks, in order that the organisation achieves the strategic goals as set by the executive. For employees to perform at their peak and to ensure continual motivation, employees should find themselves in a motivated work environment. Managers are key to establishing this motivating climate; however they are only able to do this if they have sufficient authority to motivate their subordinates. Managers must not only have the authority, but they must also have the leadership skills and capacity to motivate. The question which forms the base of this research is whether managers are authorised and equipped to motivate their subordinates. The research topic fell within the quantitative paradigm with data being collected through the use of a questionnaire, which was distributed via electronic means to a sample of the population. The sample was selected using a non-random sampling method. The results were analysed and interpreted to ascertain if they aligned with the theory. The Respondents confirmed that motivation is deemed important which is the responsibility of managers to motivate their subordinates. The organisations in which the managers work should enable them to reward and recognise the employees. It was clear that the authority to reward and recognise is still limited in organisations, which creates substantial complications for managers who are not able to utilise all the tools of motivation which is needed for subordinates to achieve their full potential. Recommendations were submitted that organisations should consider effectively empowering and up-skilling their managers on all the tools of motivation and techniques on how to enhance their emotional intelligence to better understand and motivate their subordinates.
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- Date Issued: 2013
The reward preference/motivation paradox and implications for performance and education
- Authors: Snelgar, Robin
- Subjects: Employee motivation , Incentive (Psychology) , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21897 , vital:29799
- Description: The focus on reward preference has emerged essentially as a result of the need to identify what really motivates productive behaviour within the workplace, despite the fact that other variables such as retention and attraction have also been taken into consideratin. Motivation has always been an issue of great interest to both reserachers as well as practitioners within the organizational setting, the intention being to find ways to improve performance and, more specifically, particular types of performance within the world of work. Ultimately, the issue has always been how to understand, predict, shape and control human behaviour.
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The relationship between work engagement and psychological meaningfulness
- Authors: Faro, Gillian Rochelle
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Employee motivation , Organizational behavior , Psychology, Industrial
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51360 , vital:43267
- Description: Work engagement is a positive psychological construct that according to research predicts positive organisational outcomes. The overarching objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between work engagement and psychological meaningfulness and to determine whether work engagement can be predicted by means of psychological meaningfulness. This study took on the form of a cross-sectional design, using a questionnaire to measure work engagement and psychological meaningfulness. The Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) and the Psychological Meaningfulness Scale (PMS) are instruments that have been widely used in research and were both found to be reliable and valid. The questionnaire was administered in the form of a paper and pencil self-administered questionnaire. This study was conducted at a mining/manufacturing company based in the Eastern Cape for employees across all occupational levels (N=202) and the sample was selected using non-probability convenience sampling as participation in the study was voluntary. Descriptive statistic methods were used to analyse the data, as well as an analysis of variance (ANOVA). Correlation data analysis methods were utilised to measure the relationship between variables. The study found a strong positive relationship between work engagement and psychological meaningfulness and that a large portion of the respondents scored moderate to high on work engagement and high on psychological meaningfulness. The study also found that there is a positive relationship between work engagement and age in that older employees are more engaged than younger employees. Male respondents were found to have higher levels of psychological meaningfulness. Lastly, the study revealed that psychological meaningfulness predicts work engagement. Research and organisational recommendations based on the research are discussed. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Labour Relations and Human Resources, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The influence of the state IT agency’s current performance-based rewards on employee motivation
- Authors: Lucwaba, Pamela Xolewa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employee motivation , Incentive awards Employees -- Rating of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22574 , vital:30008
- Description: Organisational success originates from employees’ willingness to use their abilities and skills so that an organisation continues to achieve its strategic objectives and thus remains competitive. The organisation’s task is to encourage and nourish these motivated employee inputs by putting effective rewards in place (Markova and Ford, 2011, p. 813.). In view of this, the purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the State IT Agency’s official performance-based rewards and to establish whether these rewards enhance employee motivation. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The study targeted all 86 employees occupying non-managerial positions (Job level A1 – D1) at the State IT Agency – Eastern Cape. The study thus included the entire population. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Collected data was analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) for descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of the study were presented in frequency tables, cross-tabulations, histogram and line charts. The study revealed that intrinsically motivated employees are also motivated by financial and non-financial rewards. The research also showed that a statistically significant relationship exists between the number of years in the current position and employee motivation. This study’s results further revealed low levels of employee motivation as well as job dissatisfaction amongst the employees, dissatisfaction with the rewards provided by the organisation and that the State IT Agency is not providing employees with motivational factors perceived by employees as motivational. The study thus concluded that when the State IT Agency rewards outstanding employee performance with a performance-based bonus and a salary increase such employees’ motivation levels should be enhanced. It was recommended that the State IT Agency should design a total rewards strategy for the purpose of maximising the impact of various rewards on employee motivation. The State IT Agency should also focus on eliminating factors leading to employee dissatisfaction before implementing the proposed total rewards strategy because dissatisfied employees cannot be motivated.
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- Date Issued: 2018
The influence of motivational factors on corporate performance and customer satisfaction
- Authors: Potgieter, Adéle
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Consumer satisfaction , Employee motivation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9312 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019738
- Description: South Africa is ranked 44th place out of 53 countries (IMD 2011). It would seem imperative for the South African Government and the private sector to pay close attention to studies of this nature that indicate the importance of certain factors on the motivation of employees. In essence this study could assist Government and the private sector in understanding the importance of different factors that influence motivation of employees and the profitability of organisations. Should organisations re-align their focus on motivation of employees by taking cognisance of the elements addressed in this study, it could have a positive effect on the productivity of individual firms as well as on national productivity. The purpose of this study was to establish which motivational factors have an effect on the motivation of employees that would affect their individual, the organisational performance and customer satisfaction. The study aimed at firstly identifying motivational factors that has an influence on organisational performance. Secondly, investigating the effect of employee performance on organisational performance and thirdly investigating the impact of employee performance on customer satisfaction. The primary objective of this study was to establish which motivational factors have an effect on the motivation of employees thus affecting their individual and organisational performance and customer satisfaction. The relationship between work motivation, performance and productivity is complex. Although work motivation seems to have a significant impact on performance and productivity, it is certainly not the only influencing factor (Fisher, Katz, Miller & Thatcher 2003:82). Research has indicated that besides motivation, productivity is influenced by a variety of factors which could include the employee’s ability, skills, training, and availability of resources, management practices and economic conditions. In the light of the above, this study endeavoured to establish which dominant motivational factors have an influence on employee, corporate performance and customer satisfaction. Different motivational factors including hygiene factors, such as attitude, job satisfaction, rewards, leadership styles and communication were discussed as well as their influence on employee and organisational performance Information was gathered through secondary research. The investigation also included an exploration of different research methodologies, methods of data collection and analysis for this specific study. The main empirical research findings indicated that there is a positive relationship between motivator factors and employee performance as well as between management communication and employee performance. It is recommended that a policy and control manual should be compiled and distributed to new employees as part of their induction programme. The policies should be updated annually to incorporate changes in the organisation and to indicate to employees that management is serious about creating positive relationships between employees and employers. There is also a positive relationship between employee performance and organisational performance. It is recommended that organisations implement employee performance management systems that link to organisational performance goals in order to be able to critically access the performance of the employee in relation to the broader goals and results of an organisation. The relationship between motivational factors and customer satisfaction should however be investigated further. There seems to be different views in the literature on whether customer satisfaction surveys (or other measurements) should be used to support this relationship.
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- Date Issued: 2013
The effects of assembly line-side supply on individuals employed in satellite operations within automotive manufacturers
- Authors: Bocchi, Carlo
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Faurecia East London (Firm) , Job satisfaction , Employee motivation , Automobile industry and trade -- Management , Automobile industry and trade -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Business Administration)
- Identifier: vital:10849 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/56 , Faurecia East London (Firm) , Job satisfaction , Employee motivation , Automobile industry and trade -- Management , Automobile industry and trade -- Case studies
- Description: The adoption of just-in-time in satellite operations within an automotive manufacturer, is rapidly becoming a trend within motor industry clusters. This type of organisation within an organisation adopts a lean structure to operate effectively and efficiently. The objective of this paper is to unveil factors which influence this type of workplace, particularly focusing on which factors which are relevant to Faurecia East London Plant. The literature study was used to illustrate the various theories relevant to manufacturing techniques, employee motivational and job satisfaction theories. The empirical study tested factors illustrated in the literature study. The empirical study was also to develop a specific model suitable for satellite organisations. The model presented together with the literature and empirical study was used to formulate findings and solve the main and sub-problems.
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- Date Issued: 2001
The effect of electronic human resources management on employee engagement levels across generational cohorts
- Authors: Grobbelaar, Angelique Louise
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Personnel management , Information technology -- Management , Employee motivation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51450 , vital:43278
- Description: The infrastructure and use of the Internet have developed rapidly in recent years, which propelled traditional human resources systems into a new electronic human resources (E-HRM) approach. This cannot, however, be regarded as a one-size-fits-all solution as employees across different generational cohorts are not all at the same comfort level with regard to operating such web-based applications. It is the researcher’s opinion that the latter may affect employee engagement as this appears to be the case within the researcher’s own organisation. Employee engagement is important in providing organisations with the competitive advantage required to operate in a highly competitive market. Employee engagement levels are far from ideal across many organisations, which require these organisations to identify solutions to raise overall engagement levels. With age rapidly becoming a more important diversity factor, it is imperative for managers to understand the effect of E-HRM on employee engagement across the generational cohorts to design the most beneficial HRM strategy for their organisation. The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding on how generational cohorts are affected by the application of E-HRM programmes and to identify whether there are substantial variances between the engagement levels of the different generational cohorts in this context. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The development of motivational strategies for public sector workers in Kenya
- Authors: Chepkilot, Ronald Kiprop
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Public administration -- Kenya , Employee motivation , Civil service -- Kenya -- Personnel management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech
- Identifier: vital:9380 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/161 , Public administration -- Kenya , Employee motivation , Civil service -- Kenya -- Personnel management
- Description: The purpose of this study was to develop motivational strategies for motivating public sector workers in Kenya. To achieve this objective the following procedure was followed: • An examination of the public service was undertaken and the following factors were considered: The history of the public service; Past government reform programmes; The problem of corruption; Future government reform programmes; and The motivational climate in the service. iv • A literature survey was conducted on the approaches used by organisations in motivating employees. The findings were used to develop a motivational strategy model. On the basis of the strategies in the model, a questionnaire was developed for the empirical research study. • The empirical study was undertaken to examine the level of motivation in the public service and to identify the motivational strategies currently used in the public service in Kenya. The study also sought to determine the extent to which public sector managers agreed or disagreed that the motivational strategies developed by the study would be effective in motivating employees in their organisations. The results of the empirical study were incorporated into the integrated motivational strategy model presented in chapter six. The study established that the level of motivation among the public sector workers was extremely low. According to the research findings, 87 per cent of the respondents indicated that the level of motivation of employees in their organisation was low while 13 per cent indicated that it was high. It was also established that the climate in the public service was not conducive for motivating employees: the indicators were lack of job security; very low salaries; limited training and development opportunities; lack of career development programmes and lack of adequate working tools and equipment. It was further established that the government could no longer afford to make any substantial increases in salaries to the workers because the wage bill was extremely high at the level of 9.6 per cent of the GDP. It was observed that any further increases in salaries would v have a negative impact on the economy of the country. In view of the above, this study becomes extremely relevant as it suggests ways of enhancing the levels of motivation in the public service to improve service delivery in the public sector without allocation of vast financial resources. The study strongly recommends the application of the integrated motivational strategy model in its entirety; to enhance the level of employee’s motivation and work performance and achieve efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery. The study also recommends that further research be carried out to determine the effects of corruption on employee motivation and ways of eliminating the vice in the public service.
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- Date Issued: 2005
Strategies impacting on a motivating climate and productivity
- Authors: Van Schalkwyk, Thomas Johannes
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Employee motivation , Work environment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:9422 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021238
- Description: Globalisation and the falling of trade barriers across the world have changed the way organisations conduct their business. Organisations have to become more competitive to compete against local rivals and imported products. Employees fulfil a vital role in this strategy and productive employees can enable organisations to accomplish this goal. Employees need to be motivated to contribute to the challenges of globalisation and ultimately the success of the organisation. Organisations therefore need to create a motivating climate wherein employees can perform. A number of motivational theories are recorded, but older theories make the assumption than an average human being exists. The more modern theories, which identify the relationship between dynamic variables, are more relevant but to a large extent do not consider the influence of trade unions. Trade unions are still very active in South Africa, and a combined effort by organisations and trade unions could result in a win-win outcome for both parties. Rewards and recognition drive behaviour which will result in enhanced productivity. Monetary rewards are the preferred incentive amongst employees, but the effect of training and development opportunities are often underestimated and under-utilised. Employees are generally eager to improve their skills levels, which could have a positive medium to long term impact on the organisation. Effective leadership is crucial to improved productivity and leaders have to create the environment for employees to perform. Traditional management styles are no longer effective and modern leaders have to develop their skills to achieve sustainability of the organisation.
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- Date Issued: 2011
Staff retention at an institution of higher learning
- Authors: Sete, Lerato Virginia
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Employee retention , Employee motivation , Education, Higher
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6564 , vital:21111
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate staff retention at an institution of higher learning. The University of South Africa (UNISA) was the institution under scrutiny in this study. The reason for conducting the study was that employees at UNISA, and especially those at the College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET) with scarce skills, were difficult to attract and retain in their positions. It is thought that this scenario could create an increased workload and lead to stress and job dissatisfaction among remaining staff members in the college. This could resultantly influence the quality of education rendered to students. It was therefore important to identify the reasons behind staff turnover and to consider possible retention strategies that could be employed to retain employees at UNISA. The theoretical study focused on two main facets: factors that influence an employee’s decision to either leave or stay in an organisation; and on retention strategies used by the institution. In addition, interviews were conducted with a senior executive in the Human Resource Department and a senior academic manager in CSET at UNISA, to gain their views on how scarce skills were defined, the reasons for staff turnover and the utilisation of retention strategies to retain employees. A qualitative analysis was applied to the interview responses. In addition, a survey consisting of a self-administered questionnaire was conducted amongst academic staff at CSET and 64 responses were received, which represented a response rate of 30%. The questionnaire focused mainly on turnover intention, factors influencing turnover and retention strategies. The information gathered from the questionnaire was statistically analysed and interpreted. The respondents provided mostly positive responses to personal, job and organisational factors which influence retention compared with market factors, indicating that these factors played a significant role in retention. The results revealed that factors such as: remuneration and packages; recognising academic staff for their contribution; providing a satisfying and stimulating work environment; valuing and engaging employees and empowering supervision could be used to retain employees with scarce skills. The respondents agreed that UNISA could be perceived as an employer of choice and was actively seeking ways to retain employees, but were uncertain of the extent to which a fair compensation system, an attractive value proposition and care for employees with scarce skills were evident. No significant differences were found in terms of length of service, gender or race.
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- Date Issued: 2015
Retention strategies for skilled SARS customs employees
- Authors: Lennie, Graeme Mark
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Employee retention , Employee motivation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8704 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/999 , Employee retention , Employee motivation
- Description: The South African Revenue Services (SARS) is an amalgamation of the former Departments of Customs and Excise, and the Receiver of Revenue. SARS obtained full autonomy from the Government in October 1997 in order for it to administer its own affairs. SARS has since made great strides in transforming its people and technology, although some growing pains are recently being experienced, i.e. the “retention question”. The problem statement, “What strategies can be implemented for retaining skilled employees within SARS Customs” is derived from a multitude of problematic issues currently being experienced world wide. Problem areas particular to South Africa, include: the mass exodus of white skilled labour; baby-boomers (aged 60 – 65) nearing retirement, affirmative action, employment equity, and a general lack of skills in the employment industry. An employee engagement survey (2007) conducted at SARS, shows figures that further exacerbates the problem. The objectives of the research were therefore, to conduct a literature study of employee retention strategies, investigate the research strategies currently being employed at SARS, the reasons for the low levels of employee engagement and to develop a strategic model for employee retention for use at SARS Customs in the Eastern Cape Region of South Africa The study takes the form of a case study, using quantitative and qualitative methods of research. A questionnaire was distributed to respondents, the results of which were analysed and presented. The findings show that SARS Customs is in a good position with regards to pay and benefits. Areas that require attention though are training, development and career management, effective supervision, and day-to-day activities.
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- Date Issued: 2008
Retention strategies for knowledge workers at a consulting engineering firm
- Authors: Ketye, Lungelo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Employee retention , Employee motivation , Job satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6247 , vital:21059
- Description: The Consulting Engineering industry plays a very critical role in the construction industry. Its primary role is to plan and design projects before they go on to the construction phase. During the construction phase of a project, consulting engineers are responsible for supervising the works and ensuring that construction is done according to design specifications. The selected company, where this study was conducted, provides civil engineering consulting services. The main purpose of the research was to identify retention strategies that could be used by the company in order to reduce staff turnover. To achieve this objective, the researcher completed a literature study. The literature study revealed the characteristics of knowledge workers, and what makes knowledge workers wish to extend their stay with an organisation. The study examined variables that lead to staff turnover i.e. leadership and communication, organizational culture, performance management and job satisfaction. The empirical study was conducted at LK Consulting Engineers. A survey with a questionnaire was administered to all engineering practitioners who were registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa. Interviews were also conducted with three managers. The study demonstrated that leadership and communication, organisational culture, performance management and job satisfaction are important variables leading to retention of knowledge workers. The study also demonstrated that training and financial remuneration is not enough to retain knowledge workers, employees should feel valued and provided with the opportunities to make meaningful contributions to the organisation.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Remuneration and rewards strategies at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
- Authors: Bobi, Lungiswa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University , Compensation management -- South Africa , Employee retention -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Incentives in industry , Employee motivation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:9393 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021232
- Description: To be competitive, organisations need to ensure that all their resources are functioning at optimal level. The most important of these resources being its employees. This is because their commitment can guarantee the attainment of organisational goals. Commitment can be attained by an organisation through the payment of internally and externally competitive remuneration and reward packages, that communicate the value of the employees to the organisation. Remuneration and reward strategies are a critical tool for organisations, as they can motivate, attract and retain high performing employees. The theories of motivation, such as, the equity theory, state that employees compare their compensation with that of others and that if they perceive inequity, can be de-motivated or leave an organisation. Therefore, it is imperative for an organisation to ensure that its remuneration and reward strategy is aligned with its business strategy, to ensure clear communication of goals. In order to prevent labour turnover and to ensure commitment and retention, the employer needs to offer total rewards, which include base pay, benefits, variable performance pay, recognition and an enabling work environment. These can be effective as they meet all employee needs as in Maslow‟s hierarchy of needs and ensure the satisfaction of the organisation‟s need for goal attainment. To gain more insight, an empirical study was conducted at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The results of the survey indicated that the NMMU‟s remuneration and reward strategy contained certain elements of the total rewards strategy. These are variable pay in the form of a service bonus and benefits plus based pay. This strategy seems to be ineffective to motivate and retain employees due to lack of clear communication and recognition. To motivate and retain its employees, the NMMU should improve its communication and engage employees and unions in defining remuneration and reward strategies through collaboration.
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- Date Issued: 2011
Relationships between psychological capital, work engagement and organisational citizenship behaviour in South African automative dealerships
- Authors: Harris, Chantel
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Work -- Psychological aspects , Employee motivation , Job satisfaction -- South Africa , Organizational behavior , Automobile industry and trade
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCom
- Identifier: vital:9395 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008059 , Work -- Psychological aspects , Employee motivation , Job satisfaction -- South Africa , Organizational behavior , Automobile industry and trade
- Description: Psychological capital (PsyCap), work engagement (WE) and organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) are all positive constructs which research has indicated will have a positive impact on the bottom line. In light of Positive Organisational Behaviour, this has become increasingly important, particularly in the service industry where good service leads to satisfied customers and ultimately repeat purchases. This research took on the form of a cross- sectional design, using a composite questionnaire to measure PsyCap, WE and OCB. This was a self-report electronic questionnaire which was distributed via email to customer service representatives (N=276) from a national automotive company with dealerships in Gauteng and the Western Cape. The measurement models were revalidated for the South African sample of customer service representatives through conducting Exploratory Factor Analysis. PsyCap remained a four-factor structure, however lost items in the elimination process. Both the UWES and OCB instruments lost items and became two-factor structures. This makes the notion that these instruments are portable to the South African situation questionable. To confirm these structures, item parcelling was utilised and Confirmatory Factor Analysis was conducted. The results indicated that the new measurement models were better suited to the South African sample. Demographic groups had significant differences in the means for PsyCap, WE and OCB. Further to this, relationships between the constructs were tested through multiple regression and structural equation modeling. The most significant relationship was found between PsyCap and work engagement. Finally, PsyCap (barring optimism) and WE were found to load onto a single factor when testing for factorial independence, while OCB came out as a separate factor.
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- Date Issued: 2012
Psychological capital as a moderator of the relationship between intrinsic motivation and employee engagement at public hospital in the Eastern Cape, a South Africa
- Authors: Skoti , Bulumko
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Employee motivation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18996 , vital:43006
- Description: Employee engagement is an important characteristic that all organizations would be happy to have among all their employees. This is because employee engagement is linked with many desirable organisational outcomes such as job satisfaction, productivity, and employee retention. It is therefore extremely important for organisations to know how engagement among employees can be generated or enhanced, especially in the South African public health sector that is characterised by high levels of stress and labour turnover among its employees. The main objective of the present study was accordingly to explore (i) the role of intrinsic motivation and psychological capital as individual and combined predictors of employee engagement, and (ii) the role of psychological capital as a moderator of the relationship between intrinsic motivation and employee engagement. A quantitative approach was adopted and a structured self-administered questionnaire was used in data collection. Simple Linear Regression and Hierarchical Multiple Regression were used in hypothesis testing. The results revealed a significant positive relationship between intrinsic motivation and employee engagement. Psychological capital was also found to be significantly positively related to employee engagement. Intrinsic motivation and psychological capital (combined) were found to account for a significantly higher proportion of variance in employee engagement than intrinsic motivation alone but they did not account for a significantly higher proportion of variance in employee engagement than psychological capital alone. The limitations of the study were highlighted and recommendations were made for future research directions. Recommendations were also made for the managerial and professional application of the results of the present study.
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- Date Issued: 2020
Perceptions of internal rewards equity, equity sensitivity, psychological capital and work engagement
- Authors: Warneke, Kirsten Ruth
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Work -- Psychological aspects , Job satisfaction , Employee motivation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4193 , vital:20565
- Description: Psychological capital and work engagement, both constructs rooted in positive psychology, have been associated with positive outcomes in the workplace, such as better job performance and organisational citizenship behaviours. The rewards practices of organisations have not been widely studied in relation to these positive psychological constructs, despite the clear importance of understanding how the way that employees are rewarded serves to motivate behaviour in the workplace. This study sought to bring together two rewards-centred constructs, namely, the perceptions of equity of rewards and the equity sensitivity of employees, and the two positive psychological constructs of psychological capital and work engagement, with the aim of understanding how these constructs relate to each other and, ultimately, discerning how reward systems might best be aligned to improve employee performance. A theoretical model was constructed based on a review of relevant literature, and eight hypotheses were set to test the model. This research took the form of a cross-sectional design, using a composite questionnaire to measure psychological capital, work engagement, equity sensitivity and perceptions of equity in rewards by means of a self-report electronic survey. Employees at a South African university were invited to participate in the study by means of an emailed invitation, and a sample of 305 respondents was achieved. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive and inferential statistics, which included frequency tables, Cronbach’s alpha testing, Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlations, chi-square tests, t-tests, analysis of variance, hierarchical regression analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modelling. The results of the survey showed that respondents had high levels of psychological capital with the exception of the medium scores on the Optimism dimension; levels of work engagement were high overall; responses regarding the perceptions of equity of rewards relating to promotions were most negative, with the rest of the perceptions of equity of rewards dimensions being scored neutrally; and scores for equity sensitivity showed a tendency toward a benevolent disposition. Significant differences were found between demographic groups in the sample for all of the constructs under investigation. Evidence was found in support of the hypothesised relationships in the theoretical model, with the exception of the hypothesised link between equity sensitivity and the perceptions of equity of rewards. The hypotheses regarding moderation relationships were not accepted, based on the results of the hierarchical regression analysis. Structural equation model testing resulted in unsatisfactory fit of the statistical model. Confirmatory factor analysis results provided support for the acceptability of the Equity Sensitivity Instrument, Utrecht Work Engagement Scale and Psychological Capital Questionnaire for use on a South African sample. As far as it could be ascertained, the constructs under investigation have not been examined together before. The study therefore contributes uniquely to the existing body of positive organisational behaviour research, and begins to fill the gap identified in the Rewards literature. A number of recommendations for researchers and for organisations stemming from the study are put forward.
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- Date Issued: 2016
Organisational factors impacting on employee retention
- Authors: Guma, Pendulwa Vuyokazi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Employee retention , Organizational change , Employee motivation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8616 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1530 , Employee retention , Organizational change , Employee motivation
- Description: Organisations must have a constant influx of candidates for potential employment. New employee positions are required as market areas are expanded. Recruitment occurs even in the face of limited growth or decline in service capacity, because individuals with specialised skills or training who leave the organisation must be replaced, and because services or technologies that have been revised or modified must be staffed. The recruitment of personnel plays an important role in assisting the organisation to adapt and remain competitive. The Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs (DEDEA) employs a wide variety of workers. Thus, the sources of applicants and types of methods used to expand the applicant pool vary depending on the occupational classification being considered. It, therefore, becomes self-defeating to invest significant resources in a recruitment effort if such effort is offset by high turnover rates. Retention of employees is as essential as their recruitment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the organisational factors impacting on employee retention at DEDEA. The population for the study included 781 DEDEA employees. The response rate for the emailed questionnaire was 54 percent or 425 respondents. The Likert-type scale instrument consisted of forty questions divided into two sections: Section one looked at the demographic profile of the respondents and section two focused on getting responses on the five organisational impacting on v employee retention, namely: career development; compensation; positive recognition; staff engagement and management. In order to achieve the purpose of this study, the following research design was adopted: Step 1 A literature review was conducted to determine the various organizational factors impacting on employee retention. Step 2 From the literature review, a process model was adopted to assist the researcher in structuring the research questionnaire. Step 3 A questionnaire was constructed according to the principles and guidelines in steps 2 and step 3. Step 4 Empirical data was obtained by means of an email survey. Step 5 The results of the survey were analysed and interpreted. Step 6 The empirical results were integrated with Step 3. Step 7 Conclusions and recommendations were done. The main findings from the study were: - The study revealed a significant relationship between the selected organisational factors and employee retention. - The study also produced a model suitable for use by DEDEA as a guide in determining what initiatives the organisation should embark on to improve employee retention.
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- Date Issued: 2011
Motivation levels of tuberculosis healthcare staff at a district hospital in Kenya
- Authors: Busolo, Mellanda Isia
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Health services administration , Employee motivation , Tuberculosis -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10135 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008292 , Health services administration , Employee motivation , Tuberculosis -- Prevention
- Description: Background: The success of tuberculosis (TB) treatment largely depends on healthcare team factors within a healthcare system, as healthcare workers play a vital role in fostering patient adherence to TB treatment. Strengthening motivation amongst Kenya’s TB healthcare workers should thus be reinforced in order to improve on clinical outcomes of TB treatment in Kenya. Objectives: To determine motivational needs of TB healthcare staff at a district hospital in Kenya and to provide recommendations on how to enhance their motivation. Design: TB healthcare workers including nurses, doctors, pharmacists and community healthcare workers were purposively sampled from a district hospital in Kenya. Their motivational levels were measured using a questionnaire adapted from Bennet and colleagues (2000). Key Findings: A high level of job satisfaction was present in more than 50 percent of the employees, although the ‘extrinsic job satisfaction’ sub-scale stood out as scoring relatively poorly in comparison to the other ‘job satisfaction’ sub-scales. Cognitive motivation yielded mixed results with 44 percent of respondents rating themselves as being satisfied, and 56 percent between neutral and very dissatisfied. The overall organisational commitment was positive, with the majority (60 percent) of respondents rating themselves as being committed to their organisation. The majority (96 percent) of workers rated their performance at work as very high. Conclusion: Improvement in staff motivation can be attributed to how well a hospital's management organises and runs its hospital. It was recommended that hospitals should provide an environment where motivational strategies are continuously implemented and where change is positively rewarded. This may, in turn, have a positive impact on TB treatment outcomes. The study may be of interest to key decision makers in Kenya’s healthcare system as well as TB programme managers, hospital managers and health managers in general. Further investigations are needed in order to determine whether Kenya’s public healthcare system has a staff retention strategy that is up to date with the motivational needs of Kenya’s health workforce.
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- Date Issued: 2012
Motivation and complexity : an exploration of a complexity approach in employee motivation with specific focus on a Lacanian model of desire
- Authors: Botha, Anton Ivan
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Employee motivation , Employee morale , Incentive awards
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9400 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1232 , Employee motivation , Employee morale , Incentive awards
- Description: Since employee motivation contributes to overall organisational success, reliable motivation theory should inform management and reward practices. Yet, motivation theory is currently in a state of paralysis, with no constructive theorising taking place. Analysis of its methodological presuppositions reveals that it relies on out-dated binary thinking, prioritising, e.g. either a ‘machine-like’ (body driven) or ‘god-like’ (rationally driven) understanding of humanity. In this study it is argued that the revival of motivation theory requires a paradigmatic shift towards a complexity methodology because human motivation was found to be a complex system and must be theorised accordingly. It was found that McAdams’ theory of personality which brought together personality traits, conditioning, and motives could form the basis of a complex theory of motivation. On this basis, a complex model was developed which incorporated elements of existing motivational theories. This model proposed that drives, which motivate behaviour, are a combination of instincts, needs, and desires, mediated by personality traits, rational processing, and conditioning. All of these interconnected elements, as well as biological and environmental conditions, have an impact on, and are influenced by one another. For the purposes of understanding employee motivation the element of desire was isolated as a potential means to value segment employees. A Lacanian theory was utilised to elaborate on the element of desire. This theory postulated that individuals tend to display a dominance is one of nine kinds and modes of desire. An instrument was developed to test the applicability of the Lacanian model. It was developed in five phases which included three pilot studies and two samplings. A total of 591 respondents participated in the empirical research study with 428 in the first sample and 70 in the second; the remaining 93 made up the pilot studies. Unlike the initial version of the instrument used in the first sample (n=428) the data obtained by the last version (n=70) revealed that the instrument held some form of reliability and validity. Once analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics the data supported the view that individuals tended to display dominance in a kind and mode of desire as per the Lacanian model, and sufficient variance existed to preliminarily conclude that this model could be used as a means to value segment employees. Recommendations were as follows: (1) that complexity methodology should inform future motivation theorising, (2) that the proposed complexity models be further empirically tested, (3) that an adequately complex, flexible rewards system be considered, (4) that both managers and employees make use of the developed instrument to aid them in the selection of rewards that will lead to increased satisfaction.
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- Date Issued: 2010