Self-Esteem and Achievement Motivation as Predictors of Perceived Sense of Competence among Workers in a Nigerian University Teaching Hospital

This study explored the relationship between self-esteem, achievement motivation and perceived sense of competence among workers in a Nigerian university teaching hospital. Using a correlational design, one hundred and seventy (n=170) workers selected from different sections and clinics at a University teaching hospital in a south western state in Nigeria participated in the study. They comprised of males 85 (50%) and females 85 (50%) with ages ranged between 20 years and 55 years, and a mean of 32.39 years (SD= 7.13). The following instruments were used for data collection: self esteem scale developed by Adanijo and Oyefeso (1986), need for achievement scale developed by Edward (1954), perceived sense of competence scale developed by Wagner and Morse (1975) and modified by Synder and Morris (1978). Five hypotheses were tested using correlational statistics such as the Pearson r, Simple linear multiple regeression, independent t-test, and One-Way analysis of Variance. Results revealed that a positive relationship existed between achievement motivation (r = .52; p<.01), self esteem (r = .65; p<.01), and perceived sense of competence. There was a significant joint influence of achievement motivation, self-esteem, age and years of experience on perceived sense of competence (R2 = .55; F (4, 165) = 51.10; p<.001). In addition, the independent contributions show significant independent influence of achievement motivation (ß=.37; t = 6.55; p<.001), self-esteem (ß=.59; t = 9.90; p<.001), and age (ß=-.16; t = 2.80; p<.01) on perceived sense of competence. The meaning behind achievement motivation and self-esteem in relationship to perceived sense of competence is discussed, as well as the implication for these factors in enhancing the perceived sense of competence among workers. This will enable researchers and human resource professionals to look at the relationships among these variables in detail