Motivational Strategies and Employee Job Satisfaction in Public Universities of Uganda: A case of Muni University

Abstract

The study examined the effect of motivational strategies on employee job satisfaction in public universities in Uganda, the case of Muni University. The specific objectives of the study were: to determine the effect of staff training on employee job satisfaction, to establish the influence of leadership on employee job satisfaction and to examine the effect of competitive rewarding on employee job satisfaction at Muni University. A cross sectional survey design was used employing both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study population comprised staff of the university. The sample size was 68 chosen through simple random sampling and purposive sampling. The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection through the use of closed ended questionnaire and interview guide. Content analysis and descriptive and inferential analyses were carried out. The major findings of the study were that: Muni University has staff training and development policy in place but many staff are not aware about it and staff training and development strategies were inadequate. Most leaders acted on issues not in consultation with all staff and involved limited staff in implementing activities. The University had reward system in place but many staffs were unaware about it though the reward systems were not so good and motivating to the staff. The researcher concluded that staff training and development and good leadership and competitive rewarding are very crucial factors in employee job satisfaction. The following recommendations were made among others by the researcher based on the research findings. The Muni University authority needs to make the staff aware of the staff training and development policy as most staffs were unaware about it. Since training and development can improve staff productivity, the management of Muni University needs to invest more in staff training and development programs so as to improve its organizational performance.