Motivational Determinants of Work Performance among Teaching Staffs in Takoradi Technical University

Abstract

The study aimed to assess motivational determinants of work performance among teaching staff at Takoradi Technical University. A descriptive survey approach was used in determining a teaching staff’s preferences, attitudes, concerns, interests, practices, and perceptions. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to test research questions. Two hundred and fifty-four academic staff were sampled for the study. The two highest intrinsic determinants of work performance were goal-setting and decision-making participation. In order of importance, a favorable policy of the institution, conducive environment, interpersonal relationships at work, financial incentives, and appreciation from the university stood out as the extrinsic determinants of work performance. A conducive environment (beta =.288) highly predicted work performance, followed by accountability/ responsibility (beta=.242), work itself (-.190), and financial incentives (beta=.127). Age does not significantly moderate motivation and work performance. Educational level was significantly moderate between motivation and work performance. Gender was moderate between motivation and work performance. Duration of employment does not play any interaction between motivation and work performance. Given this, it is recommended that academic staff at Takoradi Technical University set achievable goals. The reason is that the more set goals are achieved work performance will increase. This would help improve upon the poor performance among some university students. So, it is recommended that the government employ qualified youth.