AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN REWARD MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN ZIMBABWEAN LOCAL AUTHORITIES (LA): A CASE STUDY OF MUTARE TOWN COUNCIL

Abstract

The importance of aligning an organisation’s Reward Management system to the overall business strategy cannot be overemphasized. Tshukudu (2022) in his latest article acknowledges that, Reward system is a vital tool for driving business growth and boosting staff morale. The increasingly volatile business environment have seen most Company executives constantly demanding evidence that reward systems produce changes in performance. Therefore, this research paper sought to examine the relationship between reward systems and performance using Mutare City Council as a case understudy. The study focused on administrative and low-level employees. The sample size chosen was (20). Simple random sampling technique was used to draw participants from different departments. The research utilised the pragmatic approach where both the quantitative and qualitative research methods were used to obtain an in-depth understanding of the problem under study. The data was presented and analysed using tables and graphs as well as the thematic approach for qualitative findings. The study findings revealed that there is a positive relationship between Reward systems and performance in local authorities. It further revealed that a well -managed reward system is advantageous because it improves employee engagement, employee participation and overally improved performance. The paper recommends that Local Authorities must use Total Reward management systems which takes into account both monetary and non- monetary benefits when rewarding employees.