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Self-Motivation and Performance of Academic Staff of Federal Universities in South East, Nigeria
American Journal of Economics and Business Management,
Vol. 8 No. 3 (2025): March
Abstract
This study examined self-motivation and performance of academic staff of federal universities in South East, Nigeria. It specifically investigated the effect of intrinsic motivation on job satisfaction among academic staff. It also determined the effect of self-efficacy on research productivity among academic staff. The population consisted of 13,163 academic staff, with a sample size of 373 determined using Krejcie and Morgan's method. A total 341 of copies of questionnaire were valid responses. Employing a quantitative research design, the study utilized a structured questionnaire administered to sample 341 responsive faculty members across five universities sampled. Data collected were analyzed using analyzed using descriptive statistics and econometric regression technique of the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) approach to ascertain the strength and nature of the relationships between the variables. The findings reveal that both intrinsic motivation and self-efficacy significantly impact job satisfaction among academic staff. The strong positive relationships suggest that fostering an environment that enhances intrinsic motivation and builds self-efficacy could be effective strategies for improving job satisfaction. indicating that faculty members who possess higher levels of confidence in their abilities are more likely to engage in and complete research projects successfully. On the other hand, both intrinsic motivation and self-efficacy significantly impact research productivity. Additionally, intrinsic motivation also showed a considerable impact on research productivity, suggesting that faculty who are driven by personal interest and academic passion achieve better research outcomes. Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Efficacy both have higher coefficients in the second model (0.60 and 0.40) compared to the first model (0.45 and 0.30). This indicates that intrinsic motivation has a more pronounced effect on job satisfaction than on research productivity. The study conclude by showing the necessity for federal universities to enhance faculty self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation as a means to boost research productivity. Based on the findings, it is recommended that universities implement comprehensive professional development programs aimed at fostering a supportive academic culture and recognizing faculty achievements through formal recognition and reward systems. The implications of these findings for the economy are profound. By increasing research output and innovation through improved faculty morale and engagement, universities can significantly contribute to technological advancements and regional economic growth. This research calls for strategic investments in faculty development, which can ultimately lead to a more skilled workforce, job creation, and enhanced competitiveness in the knowledge economy.
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- Adekunle, A.P & Madukoma, E., (2022).Research Self-Efficacy and Research Productivity of Doctoral Students in Universities in Ogun State. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). 7097. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/7097.
- Adekunle, A.P & Madukoma, E., (2022).Research Self-Efficacy and Research Productivity of Doctoral Students in Universities in Ogun State" (2022). Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). 7097. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/7097
- Akajiofor, N. S., Arinze, E. S. & Jacobs, C. J. (2023). Skill Acquisition and Unemployment Reduction in Selected Local Government Areas of Anambra State. International Journal of Business Systems and Economics, 13(3), 213 – 226.
- Akajiofor, N. S., Arinze, E. S. & Jacobs, C. J. (2023). Skill Acquisition and Unemployment Reduction in Selected Local Government Areas of Anambra State. International Journal of Business Systems and Economics, 13(3), 213 – 226.
- Akinwumi, O., & Ogbomo, E. (2024). An empirical analysis of self-efficacy and research productivity of law lecturers in south-western nigerian universities. BW Academic Journal, 39. Retrieved from https://bwjournal.org/index.php/bsjournal/article/view/1676.
- Ayodele, T.A. & Adeyeye, V.S. (2024). Influence of research self-efficacy on research productivity of academic staff in private universities in Oyo State, Nigeria. Lead City International Journal of Library, Information and Communication Sciences. Issue, 1, (1)
- Bargsted, M., Ramírez-Vielma, R., and Yeves, J. (2019). Professional Self-efficacy and Job Satisfaction: The Mediator Role of Work Design. Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, 35, 157 - 163. https://doi.org/10.5093/jwop2019a18.
- Caprara, G. V., Barbaranelli, C., Steca, P., & Malone, P. S. (2016). Teachers' self-efficacy beliefs as determinants of job satisfaction and students' academic achievement: A study at the school level. Journal of School Psychology, 44(6), 473-490.
- Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2018). The "what" and "why" of goal pursuit: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268.
- Elliot, A. J., & Thrash, T. M. (2019).Approach and avoidance motivation in achievement settings. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 96(2), 415-430.
- Gheitani, A., Imani, S., Seyyedamiri, N., Foroudi, P. (2019). Mediating effect of intrinsic motivation on the relationship between Islamic work ethic, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment in banking sector. International Journal of Islamic and Middle Eastern Finance and Management, 12(1), 76-95.
- Ilechukwu I. C., Ifechukwu-Jacobs, C. J., Okeke, C.O. (2023) Knowledge Management Practices and Organizational Performance of Teaching Hospitals in Anambra State, Nigeria. International Academic Journal of Business Systems and Economics, 8(7), 46-62.
- Ilechukwu I. C., Ifechukwu-Jacobs, C. J., Okeke, C.O. (2023) Knowledge Management Practices and Organizational Performance of Teaching Hospitals in Anambra State, Nigeria. International Academic Journal of Business Systems and Economics, 8(7), 46-62.
- Jabbar, M. N., & Hussin, F. (2018). Effect of organizational leadership behavior and empowerment on job satisfaction. Opción, 34(16), 472-491.
- Jacobs, C. J. & Arinze, E. S. (2021). Effect of team work on organizational performance: A Study of Cosharis Rice Mill Igbariam. African Journal of Business and Economic Development. 1(10), 74-8.
- Jacobs, C. J. & Arinze, E. S. (2021). Effect of team work on organizational performance: A Study of Cosharis Rice Mill Igbariam. African Journal of Business and Economic Development. 1(10), 74-8.
- Jacobs, C. J., Ezeokafor, U. & Ekwere, G. E. (2021). Effect of Entrepreneurial Education on Unemployment Reduction among Students in Nigeria. Business and Management Research, 10(2), 16-26.
- Jacobs, C. J., Ezeokafor, U. & Ekwere, G. E. (2021). Effect of Entrepreneurial Education on Unemployment Reduction among Students in Nigeria. Business and Management Research, 10(2), 16-26.
- Jacobs, C.J., Ezeokafor, U.R.& Ekwere G. E. (2021). Effect of Entrepreneurial Education on Unemployment Reduction among Students in Nigeria. Business and Management Research, 10(2), 15-26.
- Kuvaas, B. (2017). The relationship between intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and well-being among employees. Journal of Applied Psychology, 102(5), 651-665.
- Masvaure, P., Maharaj, A. (2014). Work Engagement, Intrinsic Motivation and Job Satisfaction among Employees of a Diamond Mining Company in Zimbabwe. Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies, 6(6), 488-499.
- Matilda, O. K., Addai-Amoah, A. K. & Alfred, K. (2022). Do emotional intelligence, cognitive intelligence and social intelligence modulate leadership qualities? International Journal of Social Sciences & Educational Studies 9 (4), 2409-1294.
- Monnot, M. (2018). The effect of incentives on intrinsic motivation and employee attitudes: A multilevel study across nations and cultural clusters. Thunderbird International Business Review, 60(4), 345-412.
- Mukokoma, N. M (2020). Emotional intelligence and intrinsic motivation in job performance. International journal of management studies and social scienceresearch2, (4) 2582 – 0265.
- Mwangi, L.W., Kitainge, K. & Nyabuto, E. (2023). Relationship between Self-Motivation and Student Academic Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Nyeri County. Global Scientific Journals. 11, (3) ISSN 2320-9186.
- Ndudi, E. F., Kifordu, A. A., & Egede, N.M. (2023). The Influence of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation in Workers’ Productivity: Empirical Evidence from the Construction Industry, Global Journal of Human Resource Management, Vol.11, No.2, pp.96-112
- Nosike C, Kekeocha, E. M., & Okeke, A. P. (2022). Emotional intelligence and performance of employees in secondary schools in Anambra State; Principals Dynamics. Cross Current Int. J Econ Managing Media Stud, 4(3), 34-42.
- Nurdiyanti, R.A. & Ariyanto, E.I (2023). The Influence of Self-Leadership and Motivation on Employee Performance of the Directorate General of Taxes. International Journal of Economics, Business, and Management Research. http://doi.org/10.51505/IJEBMR.7714, ISSN: 2456-7760.
- Nurhamizah, I., Leele, S. J. (2021). Emotional intelligence, self-efficacy and job Performance of university lecturers. Social and Management Research Journal, 31- 51.
- Raza, Y. (2019). The Impact of Intrinsic Motivation on Employee’s Job Satisfaction. Management and Organizational Studies, 2(3), 80-88.
- Sánchez-Álvarez, N., María Pilar, B. M. and Natalio, E.Sánchez-Álvarez N, Berrios Martos M.P and Extremera N. (2020). A meta-analysis of the relationship between emotional intelligence and academic performance in secondary education: A multi-stream comparison. Front. Psychol. 11:1517. Doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.0151.
- Sinyati, N., Neema, P.K., & Richard, J. (2023). Research self-efficacy and research productivity: evidence from academics in Tanzanian public higher education institutions. DOI: 10.1108/JARHE-09-2022-0308. https://www.emerald.com/insight /2050-7003.htm
- Skaalvik, E. M., & Skaalvik, S. (2019). Teacher self-efficacy and teacher burnout: A study of relations. Teaching and Teacher Education, 26(4), 1059-1069.
- Tschannen-Moran, M., & Hoy, A. W. (2019). Teacher efficacy: Capturing an elusive construct. Teaching and Teacher Education, 17(7), 783-805.
- Udemba, N. (2021). Relationship between Self-Efficacy and Job Performance and Satisfaction of Secondary School Teachers in Anambra State. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Analysis. ISSN (print): 2643-9840, ISSN (online): 2643-9875. 4 (5) 537-542. DOI: 10.47191/ijmra/v4-i5-06, Impact Factor: 6.072
- Wang, L. (2022). Exploring the relationship among teacher emotional Intelligence, work engagement, teacher self-efficacy, and student academic achievement: A moderated mediation model front psychol.12:810559, Doi: 10.3389/fpsyg810559.
- Wigfield, A., & Ecclestone, K. (2018). Expectancy-value theory of motivation. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 25(1), 68-81.
- Yemima, R., & Rhian, I. (2023). The Influence of Self-Efficacy on Job Satisfaction, Organizational Commitment, Motivation and Job Performance in Private School Teachers. Asian Journal of Social and Humanities. 1, (10), E-ISSN: 2963-4946
- Zaini, F., Abdul, R. L., Masri, A.S., & Sofyan, I. (2020). Effect of emotional intelligence on job satisfaction and organizational commitment and its impact on employee performance (A case study of work unit of Aceh Jaya District, Aceh Province, Indonesia). East African Scholars Journal of Economics, Business and Management. DOI: 10.36349/EASJEBM.v03i02.21, ISSN 2617-7269.
References
Adekunle, A.P & Madukoma, E., (2022).Research Self-Efficacy and Research Productivity of Doctoral Students in Universities in Ogun State. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). 7097. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/7097.
Adekunle, A.P & Madukoma, E., (2022).Research Self-Efficacy and Research Productivity of Doctoral Students in Universities in Ogun State" (2022). Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). 7097. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/7097
Akajiofor, N. S., Arinze, E. S. & Jacobs, C. J. (2023). Skill Acquisition and Unemployment Reduction in Selected Local Government Areas of Anambra State. International Journal of Business Systems and Economics, 13(3), 213 – 226.
Akajiofor, N. S., Arinze, E. S. & Jacobs, C. J. (2023). Skill Acquisition and Unemployment Reduction in Selected Local Government Areas of Anambra State. International Journal of Business Systems and Economics, 13(3), 213 – 226.
Akinwumi, O., & Ogbomo, E. (2024). An empirical analysis of self-efficacy and research productivity of law lecturers in south-western nigerian universities. BW Academic Journal, 39. Retrieved from https://bwjournal.org/index.php/bsjournal/article/view/1676.
Ayodele, T.A. & Adeyeye, V.S. (2024). Influence of research self-efficacy on research productivity of academic staff in private universities in Oyo State, Nigeria. Lead City International Journal of Library, Information and Communication Sciences. Issue, 1, (1)
Bargsted, M., Ramírez-Vielma, R., and Yeves, J. (2019). Professional Self-efficacy and Job Satisfaction: The Mediator Role of Work Design. Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, 35, 157 - 163. https://doi.org/10.5093/jwop2019a18.
Caprara, G. V., Barbaranelli, C., Steca, P., & Malone, P. S. (2016). Teachers' self-efficacy beliefs as determinants of job satisfaction and students' academic achievement: A study at the school level. Journal of School Psychology, 44(6), 473-490.
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2018). The "what" and "why" of goal pursuit: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268.
Elliot, A. J., & Thrash, T. M. (2019).Approach and avoidance motivation in achievement settings. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 96(2), 415-430.
Gheitani, A., Imani, S., Seyyedamiri, N., Foroudi, P. (2019). Mediating effect of intrinsic motivation on the relationship between Islamic work ethic, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment in banking sector. International Journal of Islamic and Middle Eastern Finance and Management, 12(1), 76-95.
Ilechukwu I. C., Ifechukwu-Jacobs, C. J., Okeke, C.O. (2023) Knowledge Management Practices and Organizational Performance of Teaching Hospitals in Anambra State, Nigeria. International Academic Journal of Business Systems and Economics, 8(7), 46-62.
Ilechukwu I. C., Ifechukwu-Jacobs, C. J., Okeke, C.O. (2023) Knowledge Management Practices and Organizational Performance of Teaching Hospitals in Anambra State, Nigeria. International Academic Journal of Business Systems and Economics, 8(7), 46-62.
Jabbar, M. N., & Hussin, F. (2018). Effect of organizational leadership behavior and empowerment on job satisfaction. Opción, 34(16), 472-491.
Jacobs, C. J. & Arinze, E. S. (2021). Effect of team work on organizational performance: A Study of Cosharis Rice Mill Igbariam. African Journal of Business and Economic Development. 1(10), 74-8.
Jacobs, C. J. & Arinze, E. S. (2021). Effect of team work on organizational performance: A Study of Cosharis Rice Mill Igbariam. African Journal of Business and Economic Development. 1(10), 74-8.
Jacobs, C. J., Ezeokafor, U. & Ekwere, G. E. (2021). Effect of Entrepreneurial Education on Unemployment Reduction among Students in Nigeria. Business and Management Research, 10(2), 16-26.
Jacobs, C. J., Ezeokafor, U. & Ekwere, G. E. (2021). Effect of Entrepreneurial Education on Unemployment Reduction among Students in Nigeria. Business and Management Research, 10(2), 16-26.
Jacobs, C.J., Ezeokafor, U.R.& Ekwere G. E. (2021). Effect of Entrepreneurial Education on Unemployment Reduction among Students in Nigeria. Business and Management Research, 10(2), 15-26.
Kuvaas, B. (2017). The relationship between intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and well-being among employees. Journal of Applied Psychology, 102(5), 651-665.
Masvaure, P., Maharaj, A. (2014). Work Engagement, Intrinsic Motivation and Job Satisfaction among Employees of a Diamond Mining Company in Zimbabwe. Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies, 6(6), 488-499.
Matilda, O. K., Addai-Amoah, A. K. & Alfred, K. (2022). Do emotional intelligence, cognitive intelligence and social intelligence modulate leadership qualities? International Journal of Social Sciences & Educational Studies 9 (4), 2409-1294.
Monnot, M. (2018). The effect of incentives on intrinsic motivation and employee attitudes: A multilevel study across nations and cultural clusters. Thunderbird International Business Review, 60(4), 345-412.
Mukokoma, N. M (2020). Emotional intelligence and intrinsic motivation in job performance. International journal of management studies and social scienceresearch2, (4) 2582 – 0265.
Mwangi, L.W., Kitainge, K. & Nyabuto, E. (2023). Relationship between Self-Motivation and Student Academic Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Nyeri County. Global Scientific Journals. 11, (3) ISSN 2320-9186.
Ndudi, E. F., Kifordu, A. A., & Egede, N.M. (2023). The Influence of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation in Workers’ Productivity: Empirical Evidence from the Construction Industry, Global Journal of Human Resource Management, Vol.11, No.2, pp.96-112
Nosike C, Kekeocha, E. M., & Okeke, A. P. (2022). Emotional intelligence and performance of employees in secondary schools in Anambra State; Principals Dynamics. Cross Current Int. J Econ Managing Media Stud, 4(3), 34-42.
Nurdiyanti, R.A. & Ariyanto, E.I (2023). The Influence of Self-Leadership and Motivation on Employee Performance of the Directorate General of Taxes. International Journal of Economics, Business, and Management Research. http://doi.org/10.51505/IJEBMR.7714, ISSN: 2456-7760.
Nurhamizah, I., Leele, S. J. (2021). Emotional intelligence, self-efficacy and job Performance of university lecturers. Social and Management Research Journal, 31- 51.
Raza, Y. (2019). The Impact of Intrinsic Motivation on Employee’s Job Satisfaction. Management and Organizational Studies, 2(3), 80-88.
Sánchez-Álvarez, N., María Pilar, B. M. and Natalio, E.Sánchez-Álvarez N, Berrios Martos M.P and Extremera N. (2020). A meta-analysis of the relationship between emotional intelligence and academic performance in secondary education: A multi-stream comparison. Front. Psychol. 11:1517. Doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.0151.
Sinyati, N., Neema, P.K., & Richard, J. (2023). Research self-efficacy and research productivity: evidence from academics in Tanzanian public higher education institutions. DOI: 10.1108/JARHE-09-2022-0308. https://www.emerald.com/insight /2050-7003.htm
Skaalvik, E. M., & Skaalvik, S. (2019). Teacher self-efficacy and teacher burnout: A study of relations. Teaching and Teacher Education, 26(4), 1059-1069.
Tschannen-Moran, M., & Hoy, A. W. (2019). Teacher efficacy: Capturing an elusive construct. Teaching and Teacher Education, 17(7), 783-805.
Udemba, N. (2021). Relationship between Self-Efficacy and Job Performance and Satisfaction of Secondary School Teachers in Anambra State. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Analysis. ISSN (print): 2643-9840, ISSN (online): 2643-9875. 4 (5) 537-542. DOI: 10.47191/ijmra/v4-i5-06, Impact Factor: 6.072
Wang, L. (2022). Exploring the relationship among teacher emotional Intelligence, work engagement, teacher self-efficacy, and student academic achievement: A moderated mediation model front psychol.12:810559, Doi: 10.3389/fpsyg810559.
Wigfield, A., & Ecclestone, K. (2018). Expectancy-value theory of motivation. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 25(1), 68-81.
Yemima, R., & Rhian, I. (2023). The Influence of Self-Efficacy on Job Satisfaction, Organizational Commitment, Motivation and Job Performance in Private School Teachers. Asian Journal of Social and Humanities. 1, (10), E-ISSN: 2963-4946
Zaini, F., Abdul, R. L., Masri, A.S., & Sofyan, I. (2020). Effect of emotional intelligence on job satisfaction and organizational commitment and its impact on employee performance (A case study of work unit of Aceh Jaya District, Aceh Province, Indonesia). East African Scholars Journal of Economics, Business and Management. DOI: 10.36349/EASJEBM.v03i02.21, ISSN 2617-7269.