An Evaluation of staff motivation : a case study of Kenya Electricity Generating Company Limited

Abstract

'Motivation involves getting people to do something because they want to do it (Koontz, 1998). Money is commonly used as a means of rewarding employees for their input in the organization but monetary compensation can only be meaningful as a motivator if it appears to reward accomplishment. On the other hand encouraging participation of staff in decision-making in addition to improving the general work environment are effective ways of motivating the workforce towards improved performance.

This study sought to evaluate staff motivation at Kenya Electricity Generating Company limited (KenGen). The study assessed employee satisfaction and determined staff views concerning their work environment. The study covered issues affecting staff motivation as well as possible firm interventions that could be used to tackle the problems that contribute to staff de-motivation at work.

It is hoped that the findings of the study will add to the pool of knowledge on staff motivation and that the information compiled can be used to develop more encompassing systems of staff motivation in both the public and private sectors of Kenya's economy. The target population for this study was KenGen employees. The researcher adopted the census method in carrying out the case study with the use of the questionnaire as the data collection instrument.

The data collected was subjected to statistical analysis and the findings arrived at were used to draw conclusions and to make recommendations. Based on the findings of the study, it is apparent that a significant number of KenGen employees are de-motivated and a range of remedial measures are required to effectively address the problem.