ABSTRACT
This research set out to analyze the needs and preference of Nigerian
employees with a view to determining how they can be effectively
motivated to perform optimally at work for the overall benefit of their
organizations and themselves. Various motivation theories including
Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs, Hertzberg’s Hygiene theory and
Alderfer’s famous ERG theory of motivation were reviewed. The
population of the study comprised of the entire staff of the Nigerian
Bottling Company, 7up Bottling Company, mainly in Enugu.
Questionnaires were administered and the data analyzed using simple
percentage, while the chi-square statistic was used to test the formulated
hypotheses.
The questionnaires dealt with the motivational impact of
salaries, fringe benefits, regular promotion, status enhancement and job
security among others. Remuneration was discovered to be a key
motivator irrespective of staff status within the organization. The study
revealed that an average Nigerian employee would be motivated by
prospects of promotion and motivated the more if promoted. Constant
elevation at work based on merit, backed up with financial rewards
remains a valued preference of the workers. Stagnation on a particular
rank is abhorred by the employees. It is recommended that further
research should be conducted in the other locations where soft drink
industry is established in Nigeria.
