Incentive factors affecting productivity of public servants in Ogun State: Evidence from Ado-Ota Local Government Area

Abstract

The theoretical justification for the actualization of public sector goals is premised on the notion that those under the sector’s employment should be imbued with the spirit of selfless service. However, this has become a theoretical fad based on the findings of a cross sectional study which sought to know the extent to which financial and nonfinancial incentives affected the productivity of different groups of public servants in Ado-Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State. Based on the study’s results, three types of public servants were identified and described. These are the “deadwoods”, “egocentric servants” and “loyal servants”. While the deadwoods and egocentric servants are the misfits of the public sector; only the loyal servants are apt for jobs in the public sector. Consequently, recommendations were offered on how the sector could attract and retain those that are most suitable for its employment. Also, directions for future research with respect to confirming the veracity of the study’s findings were provided.