RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EMPLOYEE MOTIVATION AND PRODUCTIVITY IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY: A CASE STUDY OF VILLA MARINA HOTEL, EKET

One of the key roles of a manager is to create and sustain an environment where employees can perform optimally and align their efforts with the organization’s goals (London & Bray, 2018). Since each employee possesses unique strengths and motivational drivers (Cole, 1997), it becomes crucial for management to identify and nurture these differences. Motivation becomes a strategic tool through which managers can increase employee engagement and job effectiveness (Cherian & Jacob, 2018). An employee's productivity is influenced not only by their individual skill level but also by how motivated they are. Therefore, the human resource manager plays a vital role in fostering workplace commitment, which can only be achieved through meaningful motivation strategies. Employees are more likely to feel motivated when they are involved in decision-making, recognized for their achievements, provided with open channels of communication, and offered opportunities for career growth and skill enhancement. Motivation is thus a fundamental factor for achieving higher levels of performance. Understanding what inspires employees can lead to significant improvements in both individual and organizational outcomes. Demirel et al. (2020) emphasize that recognizing these motivational factors is essential for improving work performance. The current study seeks to examine how employee motivation impacts productivity, using private banks in the Kurdistan Regional Government as a case study (Saraih & Sultan, 2018). 1.2 Statement of the Problem Organizations are established primarily to deliver services to the public. To fulfill this mission, they hire individuals whose role is to be productive contributors. However, for employees to perform at their best, they must be motivated. Meeting employees’ needs is a critical part of keeping them motivated and willing to engage in their duties (Saraih & Sultan, 2018). A major issue facing many organizations is the loss of employees due to low motivation levels. This not only affects productivity but also incurs significant costs for the organization, as replacing staff is both time-consuming and expensive. The goal of this research is to explore the link between employee motivation and output in an effort to find solutions that can help reduce these organizational costs and improve overall workforce performance. 1.3 Objectives of the study The general objective of the study is to examine the Relationship Between Employee Motivation and Staff Productivity in the Hospitality Industry. Specifically, the study will be guided by the following: i. To investigate if company goals have impact on the productivity of staff in hospitality industry. ii. To analyze if monetary factors have effect on staff productivity in the hospitality industry. iii. To explore if recognition and reward programs have influence on employee productivity. iv. To find out the extent to which motivation can lead to staff retention. 1.4 Research questions The following questions have been prepared for the study i. Do company goals have an impact on the productivity of staff in the hospitality industry? ii. Does monetary factors have an effect on the staff productivity in the hospitality industry? iii. Does recognition and reward programs influence staff productivity? iv. What is the extent to which motivation can lead to staff retention? 1.5 Significant of the study The findings of this study would benefit to the administration of the hospitality industry in Eket. The research would add to the current know how on the effects of motivation on employee performance. It will also be helpful to upcoming scholars who would be researching on the field of motivation and worker performance. The research would also help the entire hospitality sector to be more informed on the practice best suited for motivating their employees. 1.6 Scope of the study The study will investigate if goals impact the productivity of staff in hospitality industry. The study will also analyze if monetary factors have effect on the staff productivity in the hospitality industry. The study will further explore the extent to which recogniti on and reward programs impact the employee productivity. Lastly, the study will find out the extent to which motivation can lead to staff retention. Hence this study will be delimited to Villa marina hotel, Eket, Akwa Ibom 1.7 Limitations of the study Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced. 1.8 Definition of terms Motivation: a reason or reasons for acting or behaving in a particular way. Staff productivity: the amount of work (or output) produced by an employee in a specific period of time Hospitality: the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers