What are the Factors that Affect Worker Motivation in Faith-Based Nonprofit Organizations?

Abstract

This article assesses monetary and nonmonetary, extrinsic and intrinsic, motivation factors that drive workers in faith-based international nonprofit organizations to perform effectively. The research uses a two-phase explanatory mixed method design. The quantitative correlational research administers a web-based survey to correlate a measure of monetary and nonmonetary incentives, leadership style, and organizational culture with a measure of motivation levels. Three faith-based nonprofit international humanitarian organizations used the instrument; 538 participants completed the survey. Data reveals positive significant correlation between workers’ motivation level and nonmonetary incentives, leadership style, and organizational culture, but no significant relationship between workers’ motivation level and monetary incentives. Post-survey descriptive open-ended interviews were conducted with 30 participants to explore patterns of intrinsic, work-related, motivational factors that drive workers to excel in their performance. The findings of the qualitative data complement the quantitative analysis. A leadership–motivation model presents new understanding of the close association between leadership style and motivational outcome.