Abstract
M.Comm.
The importance of motivation for organisational success is recognised by
organisations of various sizes and functions the world over. One of thebiggest
challenges for organisations is to establish the motivational levels of their
employees with a greater degree of certainty. The multi-dimensional nature of
an individual’s motivation complicates matters, requiring in depth analysis.
The objective of the research is to determine the motivating factors, from an
appreciative inquiry perspective, of the lower-managerial employees in a steel
manufacturing company in South Africa. Appreciative inquiry reframes
relationships around the positive and the possible and is grounded on the
positive organisational behaviour philosophy. This philosophy suggests that
focusing on the positive rather than the negative aspects of a situation will
improve organisational success and individual well-being (McShane &
Travaglione, 2007).
The study on motivational factors was deemed important as the company has
gone through a number of organisational changes without establishing the
impact thereof on the employees.
Owing to the multi-dimensional nature of motivation, the literature review
showed that there is no single theory or integrated model for motivation
studies. The evident lack of research integration in this area presented an
opportunity for the researcher to study motivation from an appreciative inquiry
perspective, of which the data collection stage began with the posing of
questions that are unconditionally positive. The questions were analysed
using the first-level factors framework presented in the two-factor theory of
motivation by Frederick Herzberg.