Abstract

This study examined the effects of motivation on the job performance of staff of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment, Nigeria. It identified the factors that motivate the staff to perform their jobs better and situated those preferred functional and novel strategies that enable them function more efficiently and effectively. The survey research design was adopted for the study and it obtained its data from both primary and secondary sources. The stratified random sampling technic was utilized in administering 140 copies of the questionnaire on both the project and tenured staff of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment, therefore cutting across the rank and file of the Ministry. The retrieved data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in the form of simple percentages. The study found that: regular payment of salary and provision of welfare packages (51.4%), conducive working environment (49.3%), opportunity for autonomy, creativity and innovative thinking which the job provides (48.6%) and the regular training which they are exposed to (45%) motivated them to perform their jobs better. Results of the analysis further revealed that the motivational strategies preferred by the staff and which would make them more efficient and effective include: ensuring that the project staff attain tenure (55.7%), recognizing and rewarding outstanding performance (54.3%) making the existing retirement plan more reliable (53.6%) provision of modern working facilities (52.1%), increase in salary with welfare packages and bonuses (52.9%), amongst others. The study concluded that motivation is pivotal for enhancing staff job performance and a driving force for the overall efficiency of an organization. Hence, there should be diversity in the motivation techniques adopted to meet the needs of the staff as well as the changes in the work environment.

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