The relationship between employee motivation and work performance in a manufacturing and retail foodservice organisation

Abstract

ABSTRACT The interaction between work motivation and work performance has been extensively studied, however, few studies have aimed to analyze the link between the different types of motivation as described by the Self Determination Theory and different forms of work performance. Furthermore, related studies that have been conducted within the foodservice sector appear to be lacking. A cross-sectional survey was thus distributed within a foodservice organization in Malta (EU). Hierarchical multiple linear regression models demonstrated a clear link between work motivation and work performance. In particular, greater levels of autonomous and controlled motivation were associated with better task performance, contextual work performance, and lower levels of counterproductive work behavior. In terms of the individual regulations, greater levels of intrinsic, identified, introjected and extrinsic regulation were associated with better task and contextual performance, as well as lower levels of counterproductive work behavior. The paper thus highlights the potential performance-related benefits of adopting strategies to motivate workers.