INFLUENCE OF EMPLOYEE MOTIVATION ON PERFORMANCE IN THE CATERING AND HOSTELS DEPARTMENT, UNIVERSITY OF ELDORET

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of motivation on workers’ performance in the Catering and Hostels departments in the University of Eldoret. The study was guided by the following objectives; to establish the different motivation techniques used in the University of Eldoret, to identify the current employee motivation, to examine the relationship between employee motivation and performance, to determine the potential challenges faced by the University of Eldoret in providing employee motivation. The target population was 164 respondents at the University of Eldoret and a sample size of 56 respondents who were selected using purposive and simple random sampling. The main data collection instrument used by the researcher was questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in analysis. From the study the university employs monetary incentives like salary increase, bonuses and vouchers motivation techniques. However, they also motivate their employees through empowerment, involvement in decision making, recognition and promotions at work. Employees were motivated when the organization employed certain occasional motivation techniques and some did not care much about motivation as long as the organization was keen to keep them in employment. There was positive relationship between the bonuses given to employees, promotion, the salary increase, employee recognition and their performance. There was a negative relationship between the regular salary payment, vouchers and involved in decision making. The performance of employees depend on different expectations and desires at work. Some rewards can be really rewarding for them but others are rather seen as factors that negatively influence their performance. The study recommends that the University should motivate their employees in order to achieve their set goals and objectives; it should ensure that employees are satisfied and contended with what they have in the organization.