THE FACTORS INFLUENCING EMPLOYEE MOTIVATION IN PRIVATE SECTOR SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS IN SRI LANKA

Employee motivation is one of the major determinants of employee performance in all organizations. Pleasing employees by appealing their intrinsic and extrinsic needs is very essential for obtaining maximum contribution of employees towards organizational objectives. In Sri Lanka, it is difficult to see that such studies on employee motivation considering culture specific factors. To address the problem of dearth of knowledge on employee motivation in Sri Lankan context, this study aimed at identifying the factors which influence employee motivation in private sector service organizations in Sri Lanka. Private sector service organizations were randomly selected. 270 questionnaires were randomly distributed among white-collar employees of the selected organizations and 202 employees responded. Based on the collected data the study revealed that out of the fifteen factors identified from literature survey, Recognition, Job security, Social Needs, and Supervisor Characteristics are factors, which showed strong impact on employee motivation. Personal characteristics, Advancement, Achievement, Working conditions, Need for status, Responsibility, Autonomy, Salary and other fringe benefits, and Organizational characteristics are the factors influencing moderately to the level of motivation. Environmental factors, and Power have little impact on employee motivation. Accordingly, the study suggests rethinking about existing motivational programs again considering more intrinsic needs rather than financial rewards. Recognition and job security are the factors which have high impact on motivation but lack part in the practice in the private sector organizations. Keywords: Employee, Motivation. Needs, Factors For full paper: fmscresearch@sjp.ac.l