Effect of motivational strategies on employee job satisfaction: a case study of public universities in South Eastern Kenya region

Abstract

This study examined the influence of training and development, recognition and reward, working environment and leadership on employee satisfaction in Public Universities in the South Eastern Kenya Region. The study adopted descriptive research design taking on a case study where data was collected from three Public Universities namely; South Eastern Kenya university, Kenyatta University (Kitui Campus) and Machakos university College. Respondents were sampled through stratified sampling technique. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study targeted 158 management employees from public Universities in South Eastern Kenya Region (SEKR) out of which 123 management employees responded. The study concluded that through the training and development the employees’ satisfaction and performance had improved. The training and development was in personal development, creativity and innovativeness strategies and motivational training. The reward systems employed as a strategy to motivate the employees included; pay rise, recognition, benefits and incentives respectively. The recognition and reward was a strategic motivational strategy that public Universities in South Eastern Kenya Region had adopted to spur its employee job satisfaction, improve employee productivity and to enhance employee retention. The good working conditions improved communication and reduced conflict. Thus the initiatives to improve working condition adopted by public Universities in South Eastern Kenya Region enhanced the employee job satisfaction to a very great extent. The leadership of the institution affected job satisfaction to a great extent. Therefore, leadership was critical in enhancing employee job satisfaction. The study recommends that the management of public Universities in South Eastern Kenya Region should adopt a hybrid approach of motivational strategies to enhance employee job satisfaction. The management of public Universities should continuously evaluate the motivational strategies and undertake the necessary correctional measures. The management should conduct a research on the motivational strategies being implemented.