EFFECT OF MOTIVATION ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN ABUJA MUNICIPAL AREA COUNCIL

This study investigates the effect of motivation on employee performance within the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). The research adopted a descriptive survey design using structured questionnaires administered to a sample of 154 staff members drawn from various departments across ten branches of AMAC. The sampling involved both purposive and random techniques to ensure a representative distribution. Data collected were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), employing Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Regression Analysis to test the relationship between motivational variables (recognition, promotion, and salary increment) and employee productivity. The findings reveal that all three motivational factors recognition and reward, promotion, and salary increment have a significant positive impact on employee productivity. Recognition was found to boost morale and encourage excellence, promotion increased employee commitment and career satisfaction, while salary increments were closely tied to higher job performance and retention. Based on these findings, the study recommends that AMAC should: implement a structured and transparent employee recognition system; ensure merit-based promotion policies; and conduct periodic salary reviews to keep compensation competitive. Furthermore, it advises the adoption of comprehensive motivation strategies that incorporate both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, regular capacity-building initiatives, and the establishment of employee feedback mechanisms to tailor motivational approaches effectively. Future research should consider extending the scope to other public sector organizations to validate and generalize the findings.