THE EFFECT OF EMPLOYEE MOTIVATION ON ORGANIZATIONAL PRODUCTIVITY: A CASE STUDY OF UAC FOODS LTD

Abstract This study investigates the effect of employee motivation on organizational productivity, with a focus on the manufacturing sector. The research problem centers on defining the main factors that motivate employees and their influence on organizational productivity. The general objective is to examine the place of motivation in increasing organizational productivity, with specific aims to examine the effect of motivation on performance, the relationship between motivation and performance growth, and to determine factors that increase employee motivation. A survey research design was employed, using a structured questionnaire administered to 50 employees (sample size) drawn from a population of 126 workers at a Lagos branch of UAC Foods PLC. Data were analyzed using frequency tables, percentages, and chi-square tests. Key findings indicate that a majority of respondents agreed that management is interested in motivating employees (64% strongly agreed), reasonable periodic salary increases motivate workers (48% strongly agreed), and promotional opportunities serve as a strong motivator (62% strongly agreed). Furthermore, 86% of respondents strongly agreed that the organization has adopted good safety measures, and 76% strongly agreed that management should involve employees in decision-making. The study concludes that motivation is essential for enhancing and maintaining organizational productivity, as it improves both employee performance and overall organizational goal achievement. Recommendations include that management should determine what motivates workers and implement it fairly, ensure effective motivational tools link rewards with effort, and base promotions on performance and experience.