An Evaluation of Motivational Factors and Performance in Akwa Ibom State Civil Service, Nigeria

The paper focused on the evaluation of motivational factors and performance in the Akwa Ibom State civil service. We conducted the research to identify the various motivational strategies used in Akwa Ibom State civil service and their impact on the job performance of employees. A survey research design was used, and a questionnaire was administered to 550 respondents randomly selected from five (5) ministers in the state and six (6) local government councils. The data collected from these respondents was analyzed using multivariate regression models. From the analysis, the results showed that in Akwa Ibom State Civil Service, financial motivation is predominantly used without an appropriate mix of non-financial factors. These have resulted in low motivation and low performance. Also, it was ascertained that there was a significant relationship between performance and financial and non-financial motivation, which includes leadership style, job satisfaction, and employees’s participation in decision-making. The study recommended that the government should adopt an integrated approach to motivation and work out how to implement new motivational policies with a major focus on non-financial strategies. Keywords: Motivation, performance, civil service, employees.