An Evaluation of Recognition on Performance as a Motivator: A Case of Eastern Cape Higher Education Institution

Abstract

Most African Universities are faced with the challenge of motivating and retaining highly qualified staff, particularly lecturers and researchers. These challenges have triggered a more calculated approach to human resources management across the higher education sector in South Africa (Kubler and DeLuca 2006). The present study investigates the impact of recognition on performance as a motivation strategy at an institution of higher learning in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa. Descriptive statistical tools where used to measure research variables. A total of 63 employees or 30% of the academic staff at of the University were sampled out of a population of 209 academic staff. The results indicated that academic employees are most satisfied and motivated through recognition of performance and achievement. This is also in support of the Herzberg theory of motivation in studies by Backer (1982). Higher education institutions must therefore take the issue of recognition of performance seriously starting from the simple techniques such as “splendid work” and “thank you” to more complex ones like the use of research incentives and awarding best staff annually or quarterly to stimulate performance.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n14p219