Abstract
Workers who are adequately motivated derive satisfaction from their jobs.
Their productivity is enhanced and therefore employees’ job satisfaction
deserves serious attention from managers and researchers in various
disciplines [DO95].
Human behaviour is complex and the study of motivation searches for
answers to perplexing questions that revolve around human nature.
Numerous theories of motivation have been developed and those of some of
the best-known authors such as Maslow, Herzberg, McGregor, McClelland,
Atkinson, Hackman and Oldham, Vroom and Porter and Lawler will be
discussed. Possible implications of the application and manifestation of the
theories in an information technology environment are also thrashed out,
and the potential integration of the existing theories and the relationship
between motivation and job satisfaction, are considered.
The function of an information technology environment is to provide a
professional service to internal as well as external customers and successful
companies manage much more than their assets and records. The focus is
also on relationships with clients, employees, shareholders, and stakeholders
and how well this service will be rendered depends upon the self-motivation
of the employees.
Job satisfaction within an institution serves as an indicator of morale as well
as of a successful operation and findings of motivation and job satisfaction
can be very useful to both management and their staff. Many businesses are
still structured according to an outdated business model of management
style that has become obsolete in an information age. Management must
seriously address job satisfaction issues if the company wants to prosper and
survive.
Prof. W. Backer