Motivation of Knowledge Workers – the Case of Albania

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Very little is known about motivation of knowledge workers in the Western Balkans. There is a widespread belief that money and career opportunities are the most critical motivational factors, but from a pre-study more intrinsic motivational factors also appeared to be important. To develop a better understanding of work motivation, a study was conducted among knowledge workers in Albania, with a special interest in the themes of extrinsic / extrinsic motivation and organizational commitment. Methodology: After a pre-study and a review of theory, two motivation theories (self-determination theory and organizational commitment) and corresponding instruments (Work Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation Scale, respectively Organizational Commitment Questionnaire) were selected. A survey based on purposive homogeneous sampling was applied, resulting in 252 valid questionnaires. The internal consistency of the survey data was tested and resulted in acceptable to good levels. Results: The findings show that, when knowledge workers are asked about their motivation, they give answers showing that intrinsic motivational factors are more important than extrinsic motivational factors. The study shows that affective commitment - the core factor of organizational commitment - of the respondents is quite high. Correlation analysis of the data shows that across age, gender and number of years of employment, knowledge workers report intrinsic and introjected motivation and affective organizational commitment. Respondents’ work positions – professional or leadership – also do not significantly correlate with motivation and organizational commitment. Conclusion: Given the results on motivational factors and organizational commitment, organizations need to pay attention to the relationship between enhanced motivation and enhanced productivity. Current transactional leadership styles do stimulate employees on the basis of their intrinsic motivation to enhance their productivity, and should be considered too. Keywords: motivation; self-determination; organizational commitment; Albania; Western Balkans