Unveiling the Impact of Incentives on Public Sector Employee Performance: A Comparative Exploration of African and European Systems

In addressing the imperative to enhance productivity among public sector employees, the global consensus emphasizes the essentiality of this endeavour. Leaders worldwide are driven by the anticipated economic advantages and associated prestige. Despite the prevailing inclination toward privatization, widely regarded as a precarious pursuit, there exists a compelling demand for a novel and efficacious solution. Recent research endeavours turn their attention to incentives as a potential remedy, leveraging the enduring appeal of financial rewards in the pursuit of contemporary efficiency. However, a meticulous comparative analysis focusing on continents poised to benefit significantly—Europe and Africa—yields unexpected insights. While monetary incentives have demonstrated effectiveness in fostering productivity within the private sector, the altruistic motivations inherent in public service roles appear to wield greater influence, at times even countering the intended effects of incentives. Consequently, future research must direct its focus toward a formidable alternative rooted in internal motivations and unwavering commitment, acknowledging the limitations of monetary inducements in the public sector.