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.