Investigating the Influence of Awards on Teacher’s Motivation Towards Performance: A Study of Selected Primary School in Delta State Nigeria

Ifeanyi  Mbukanma

doi:10.36941/jesr-2022-0160

Authors

Ifeanyi Mbukanma Department of Economic and Business Sciences, Faculty of Commerce and Administration, NMD Campus, Walter Sisulu University Mthatha Campus, Republic of South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36941/jesr-2022-0160

Keywords:

Awards, Teacher’s Motivation, Recognition, Performance, Integrated Model

Abstract

Orientation: Awards are mostly given on the basis of recognitions without ascertaining it influence on the current state of awardee and their future performance. Research purpose: The main purpose of this study was to ascertain the influence of awards on teacher’s motivation towards optimal performance. Motivation: This study was motivated by the existing gap in the previous literature on how awards actually motivate teachers and other better ways to motivate teachers towards optimal performance. Research method: A qualitative study and a participatory action research design were employed, where primary schools in Delta State, Nigeria, were sampled. Data was collected using written interview techniques, and the subjective thoughts of the participants were vital in this study to ascertain the influence of awards on teacher’s motivation towards optimal performance. Analysis: To analyse the participant’s responses, a thematic technique for data analysis was employed using ATLAS.ti version 9, which helped the researchers categorise selected themes from the responses collected from participants. Findings: The study result revealed that although awards contribute significantly to teachers’ motivation, teachers’ motivation and optimal performance could also be cushioned by professional development, encouragement by superiors, learners’ performance, learners’ participation, acknowledgement of hard work, competitive salary, and fringe benefits. Managerial implications and contribution: Thus, since the study was carried out to provide a practical academic-based solution to a real-life scenario, the contribution of this study (Integrated Model for Primary School Teacher’s Awards and Motivation) was recommended to the concerned stakeholders in the primary education department in Delta state, Nigeria.

Received: 12 August 2022 / Accepted: 25 October 2022 / Published: 5 November 2022