THE IMPACT OF MOTIVATION AND PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC SECTOR (A CASE STUDY OF ABDU GUSAU POLYTECHNIC TALATA MAFARA, ZAMFARA STATE)

This study explores the impact of motivation on employee performance in the public sector, with a focus on Abdu Gusau Polytechnic, Talata Mafara, Zamfara State. Motivation is widely recognized as a key driver of individual productivity and organizational success. However, in public institutions, where challenges such as limited resources, bureaucracy, and job insecurity are common, sustaining employee motivation is a complex issue. The primary aim of this research is to investigate the relationship between various motivational factors—such as salaries, incentives, recognition, work environment, and career development opportunities—and employees' job performance. The study employs a descriptive survey research design. A sample size of 150 employees, comprising both academic and non-academic staff, was selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the respondents’ demographic information, while correlation and regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between motivation and employee performance. Findings from the study reveal that motivational factors significantly influence job performance among the staff of Abdu Gusau Polytechnic. Factors such as monetary incentives, work environment, and job recognition were found to have a strong positive impact on employee productivity. However, the research also identified areas of concern, such as insufficient career development opportunities and delays in the provision of rewards, which negatively affected motivation and performance. This study concludes that enhanced motivational practices—including prompt recognition, improved working conditions, and clear career advancement pathways—can result in higher employee performance and institutional effectiveness. It recommends that the Polytechnic management and public institutions, in general, invest more in motivational strategies to boost staff morale, enhance productivity, and achieve institutional goals.