Exploring the Influence of Recognition on Employee Motivation at the Parliament Office of Guyana

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DOI: 10.21522/TIJAR.2014.12.04.Art009

Authors : Carlleta K. Charles

Abstract:

This paper explores the influence of recognition on employee motivation at the Parliament Office of Guyana. In doing so, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory and Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory were examined. Both theories underscore the importance of recognition on motivation, fulfilling esteem needs and being a critical motivator. This paper also examines the resulting effects of recognition on motivation and performance of the employees of the Parliament Office of Guyana. To this end, 110 workers were surveyed with the use of questionnaire containing closed-ended questions. The findings were clear, revealing that 78% of the respondents agree that recognition influences motivation. The types of recognition discussed encapsulate verbal praise, written praise, and milestone recognition, which were the prominent ones selected by the respondents. In addition, recognition positively correlated with heightened performance, the use of greater initiative, and employee loyalty to the workplace. The findings of this research are in keeping with the major theories explained in this paper, further solidifying the importance of non-monetary recognition programmes in public sector institutions. In conclusion, the implementation of wholistic employee recognition programmes in the Parliament Office of Guyana has the capacity to make employees feel valued, motivating them and boosting their performance, which will redound to the benefit of the Parliament of Guyana and the Guyanese citizenry at large.

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