Enhancing motivation at the VAT department : a case study

Abstract

This research was carried out to analyse the motivational level of the VAT Department employees and to determine what the VAT Department should focus on to enhance employee motivation and therefore performance. Initially, the researcher carried out a literature review of the major theories of motivation that are split into two: Content Theories and Process Theories. In terms of research methodology, a questionnaire was designed based on these theories and distributed to 113 employees, from which 92 questionnaires were returned. From the analysis it was concluded that lack of communication, recognition and appraisal are the major demotivating factors at the VAT Department. Other important factors drawn from the questionnaire analysis were that: - VAT Department employees prefer financial incentives as a motivator; - The majority of the employees do not feel that the VAT Department provides them with adequate physical working conditions; - There is a lack of team spirit and lack of social activities; - The VAT Department is heavily understaffed; - Employees feel that there is a lack of specific and technical training.

After these results had been obtained, interviews were held with the VAT Department management in order to identify their perceptions relating to these emerging issues. The key recommendations following these issues are: - Performance bonus should be introduced to all levels of staff. This would be an incentive to increase one’s performance, another way how employees would feel more appreciated for the task they perform, and would also address the low level needs of motivation; - Monthly section meetings and an annual general meeting should be held so that communication between the management and the employees is enhanced; - An annual recognition ceremony should also be organised in which top performers are rewarded; - More staff should be recruited with specific eligibility requirements for the vacant positions; - More specific and technical training should be offered; - There should be more social and team-building activities.