An Explorative Investigation of Staff Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Motivation

Abstract

This study explores how different motivational factors impact upon the performance and motivation of employees in Orangebox. The main aim of the study was to evaluate which motivational factors were most significant and effective at enhancing employee performance and motivation in Orangebox. The key objectives of the study assessed whether a relationship between employee performance and motivation existed and determined which motivational factors appeared to be most prominent at enhancing motivation in Orangebox. The study considered the impact intrinsic and extrinsic incentives had on the performance of employees at Orangebox. It determined whether intrinsic or extrinsic incentives were most prominent at improving employee performance and job satisfaction. The study used a mixed methods approach encompassing an interpretive-qualitative approach. A total of 140 questionnaires were distributed in Orangebox and a total of 110 were received. Two semi-structured interviews were undertaken with senior managers at Orangebox along with two focus groups. The first group contained five participants and the second included four. The findings illustrate that extrinsic incentives were important to employees but intrinsic incentives were most prominent at improving employee performance at Orangebox. The findings suggest that motivational factors such as working relationships, the working environment and job security were more important and effective at enhancing employee motivation. A high level of performance and motivation was a key attribute in Orangebox’s management buy-out and consequently Orangebox’s organisational performance has improved dramatically over the last decade.