The Effect of Remuneration and Motivation on Performance of Senior Staff Administrators
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53103/cjess.v6i1.436Keywords:
Employee Motivation, Higher Education Institutions, Job Performance, Remuneration, Senior Staff AdministratorsAbstract
A systematic approach to employee rewards is a component of corporate strategy, which pertains to the ongoing improvement of performance levels for individuals, workgroups, company units, and the entire organisation. This study investigates the impact of remuneration and motivation on the performance of senior staff administrators at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, using a correlational survey design with 108 participants. Findings reveal moderate remuneration levels (83.3%), high motivation (57.4%), and predominantly moderate performance (86.1%), with a significant positive correlation between remuneration and motivation (r = .32, p < .01). Multiple regression analysis indicated both remuneration and motivation significantly predict performance (R² = .43, p < .001), with motivation as the stronger driver (β = .695). Organisations should enhance and restructure compensation packages to ensure fairness and competitiveness, as moderate remuneration weakens the effort–reward link. Financial incentives such as allowances and performance-based rewards should be strengthened to encourage positive behaviours. Since motivation is the strongest predictor of performance, institutions must prioritise recognition, supportive leadership, participation in decision-making, and professional development.
Downloads
References
Ackah, D., Addo, S. K., & Yornu, I. K. (2025). Analysing the Connection Between Motivation, Compensation, and Employee Job Satisfaction. Dama Academic Scholarly Journal of Researchers, 10(1), 01-31 https://doi.org/10.4314/dasjr.v10i1.1.
Acquah, A., Nsiah, T. K., Antie, E. N. A., & Otoo, B. (2021). Literature review on theories of motivation. EPRA International Journal of Economic and Business Review, 9(5), 25-29.
Adeniran, T. J., & Nokoe, K. S. (2022). Assessing Incentives of Workers of Private and Public High Schools in Sunyani Municipality, Ghana. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies and Innovative Research, 10(3), 1610-1621. https://doi.org/10.53075/ijmsirq/743443535.
Afful-Broni, A. (2012). Relationship between Motivation and Job Performance at the University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa, Ghana: Leadership Lessons. Creative Education, 3(6), 309-314. https://doi.org/10.4236/ce.2012.33049.
Agbaku, C., Osei, V., & Shi, C. (2020). The Effect of Motivation on Employee Performance: A Case of Barclays Bank Ghana Limited. The International Journal of Business & Management.7(3), 161-172. https://doi.org/10.24940/theijbm/2020/v8/i4/bm2004-041.
Agustian, K., Pohan, A., Zen, A., Wiwin, W., & Malik, A. J. (2023). Human resource management strategies in achieving competitive advantage in business administration. Journal of Contemporary Administration and Management, 1(2), 108-117 https://doi.org/10.61100/adman.v1i2.53.
Ahmad, S. (2021). Motivation and performance: A psychological process. International Journal of Business and Management Research, 9(2), 104-112.
Akom, M., Obeng-Sarpong, C., Aflakpui, F., & Sarpong, S. (2021). Exploring Leave Management Practices and Relationship with Performance of Administrative Staff: Evidence from a Tertiary Institution in Ghana. Universal Journal of Management, 9(3), 71-82. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujm.2021.090301.
Akudugu, A., Abiba, D., Mavis, M., & Akudugu, A. (2023). Examining the impact of incentives on employee’s performance: A case study of the Ghana revenue authority in the Northern Region. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 7(1), 61-72. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2023.20.2.2180.
Alase, G., & Akinbo, T. (2021). Employee Motivation and Job Performance: Empirical Evidence from Nigeria. Applied Journal of Economics, Management and Social Sciences, 9(4), 41-52. https://doi.org/10.53790/ajmss.v2i2.20.
Ampofo, S., & Prah, E. (2020). Demographic Determinants of Job Satisfaction among Non-Academic Senior Staff of University of Cape Coast, Ghana. 75-88. https://doi.org/10.9734/jesbs/2020/v33i530235.
Aninakwah, I., & Opoku, P. (2024). Fueling success: unleashing the power of employee motivation for peak productivity and organizational excellence at Kwabre East Municipality. Asian Journal of Economics and Business Management. 8(2), 51-72.https://doi.org/10.53402/ajebm.v3i1.394.
Asumadu, P., Dinye, R., Sarpong, C., & Dinye, I. (2025). Employee Motivation, Land Administration Reforms and Service Delivery: Evidence from the Lands Commission of Ghana. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies.9(1), 32-62. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajess/2025/v51i62069.
Attila,F. L., Serwaa Ofosuhene Peasah, B., & Agyei-Sarpong, K. (2025). Influence of Motivation and Work Environment on Teacher Performance in Ghana. Nigerian Journal of Psychological Research, 19(1), 19-27.
Barltrop, T. & Naughton, L. (2022). Environmental health disparities: a framework integrating psychosocial and environmental concepts. Environmental Health Perspectives, 112(7-12)
Benati, I., & Coccia, M. (2018). General Trends and Causes of High Compensation of Government Managers in the OECD Countries. International Journal of Public Administration, 41(3), 1018 - 1031. https://doi.org/10.1080/01900692.2017.1318399.
Bennett, T. & Pratt, A. C. (2019). Data for the Cultural and Creative Sector production system: Part 1–Problems of statistical description.
Bonenberger, M., Aikins, M., Akweongo, P., & Wyss, K. (2014). The effects of health worker motivation and job satisfaction on turnover intention in Ghana: a cross-sectional study. Human Resources for Health, 12(4), 43 - 43. https://doi.org/10.1186/1478-4491-12-43.
Check, J., & Schutt, R. K. (2012). Survey research. Research Methods in Education, 26, 159-185.
Derchi, G. B., Zoni, L., & Dossi, A. (2021). Corporate social responsibility performance, incentives, and learning effects. Journal of Business Ethics, 173(3), 617-641.
Eyiah-Wilson, K., Donkoh, S., & Brown, C. (2013). Retention of administrative staff of the Ghana Education Service in the Northern Region of Ghana. Educational Research, 4(2), 163-173.
Fidelis, A. C. F., Fernandes, A., Rech, J., Larentis, F., Zanandrea, G., & Tisott, P. B. (2021). Relationship between psychological capital and motivation: study in health organizations of southern Brazil. International Journal for Innovation Education and Research, 9(3), 186-201.
Fourie, L. A. (1989). The motivation of white clerks at a financial institution. Potchefstroom University for CHE, Potchefstroom: M.Com. Dissertation.
Fu, N., Flood, P. C., Rousseau, D. M., & Morris, T. (2021). Resolving the individual helping and objective job performance dilemma: The moderating effect of team reflexivity. Journal of Business Research, 12(9), 236-243.
Fynn, N. A., & Lartey, H. (2025). Progenitors of organisational commitment among senior staff in the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Science Mundi, 5(1), 72-82.
George, A. S. (2024). The symbiotic relationship between visionary and pragmatic leadership in propelling organizational success. Partners Universal International Innovation Journal, 2(3), 57-79.
Goodman, S. A., & Svyantek, D. J. (1999). Person–organization fit and contextual performance: Do shared values matter. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 55(2), 254-275.
Gross, D. P. (2011). Performance feedback in competitive product development. The RAND Journal of Economics, 48(2), 438-466.
Heneman III, H. G., & Schwab, D. P. (1985). Pay satisfaction: Its multidimensional nature and measurement. International Journal of Psychology, 20(1), 129-141.
Indrayani, I., Nurhatisyah, N., Damsar, D., & Wibisono, C. (2024). How does millennial employee job satisfaction affect performance? Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, 14(1), 22-40.
Jacques, C. (2016). The Effect of Research Compensation in the Form of Cheques on Gamblers' Cash-in Behaviour. Journal of Gambling Issues, (32).
Jaye, H. (2025). Staff Motivation in Academic Libraries: A Case Study of the Gambia National Library. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology. https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25may1599.
Kaparang, S., Sampe, S., & Londa, V. (2024). The Effect of Remuneration and Work Motivation on the Performance of Administrative Employees. Journal La Bisecoman. 5(3), 328-338 https://doi.org/10.37899/journallabisecoman.v5i3.1258.
Katabalo, C. V., & Mwita, K. M. (2024). The role of compensation on job satisfaction, employee performance and organisational performance. Science Mundi, 4(1), 137-148.https://doi.org/10.51867/scimundi.4.1.12.
Kpurunee, G. L., & Nwibaedee, L. (2023). Employee recognition and organizational growth in selected oil service firms in Nigeria. British Journal of Management and Marketing Studies,5(2), 111-126. https://doi.org/10.52589/bjmms_wkya6sq6.
Krejcie, R. V., & Morgan, D. W. (1970). Determining sample size for research
Kumari, K., Ali, S. B., & Abbas, J. (2021). Examining the Role of Motivation and Reward in Employees' Job Performance through Mediating Effect of Job Satisfaction: An Empirical Evidence. International Journal of Organizational Leadership, 10(4), 457-786.
Kumari, K., Ali, S., Khan, N., & Abbas, J. (2021). Examining the Role of Motivation and Reward in Employees’ Job Performance through Mediating Effect of Job Satisfaction: An Empirical Evidence. International Journal of Organizational Leadership. 10(4), 57-86, https://doi.org/10.33844/ijol.2021.60606.
Lewis, M. (2005). Incorporating Strategic Consumer Behavior into Customer Valuation. Journal of Marketing, 69, 230 - 238. https://doi.org/10.1509/jmkg.2005.69.4.230.
Li, R. N. (2024). The role of motivation in human performance and in minimizing the impact of human error. Process Safety Progress, 43(1), 63-69.
Mabaso, C. (2025). Reward preferences to attract and retain Generation Z. Acta Commercii-Independent Research Journal in the Management Sciences, 25(1), 1345.
Mang, C. (2019). Earnings Differences among Senior University Administrators: Evidence by Gender and Academic Field. Canadian Journal of Higher Education. 8(3), 10-92.https://doi.org/10.7202/1066633ar.
Masoudinejad, S., & Veitch, J. A. (2023). The effects of activity-based workplaces on contributors to organizational productivity: A systematic review. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 86(3), 101-920.
McColl, H. J. & Easton, V. J. (1997). Subjective probability statistical education through problem solving. Statistics glossary, 1, 12-15.
Mitalo, R., & Wanyama, K. (2024). Mediating Effect of Motivation on the Association between Employee Compensation and Employee Performance in Kenyan Chartered Public Universities. East African Journal of Business and Economics.81(3), 10-92 https://doi.org/10.37284/eajbe.7.1.1592.
Mohzana, M., Fahrurrozi, M., & Abdurrosyidin R, A. (2025). Improving the Performance of Administrative Staff: An Analysis of Evaluation and Its Implications in Mataram City High Schools. Educational Process: International Journal https://doi.org/10.22521/edupij.2025.15.117.
Muneeb, A., & Ahmad, A. (2020). Awareness of Employee Compensation and its Effect on Employee Motivation. International Journal of Management Excellence, 14 (2), 2114-2118. https://doi.org/10.17722/ijme.v14i3.1144.
Nduati, M. M., & Wanyoike, R. (2022). Employee performance management practices and organizational effectiveness. International Academic Journal of Human Resource and Business Administration, 3(10), 361-378.
Nwuke, T. J., & Nwanguma, T. K. (2024). Capacity Building as a Tool for Administrative Staff Improved Job Performance in Public Universities in Rivers State.". Journal of Social and Management Sciences, 3(2), 211-225.
Puspitasari, M. (2024). Effects of Financial Incentives, Performance Appraisal, and Employee Recognition on Work Motivation of Start-Up Employee. International Journal of Business, Law, and Education,31(2), 212-235, https://doi.org/10.56442/ijble.v5i2.742.
Rahma, W., & Nasser, B. (2024). Employee Motivation: Recognition, Salary, Organizational Climate and Staff Performance in Selected Public and Private Universities in Uganda. International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 1(23), 21-235https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2024.v06i04.25099.
Rasool, S. F., Mohelska, H., Rehman, F. U., Raza, H., & Asghar, M. Z. (2025). Exploring the Nexus Between a Supportive Workplace Environment, Employee Engagement, and Employee Performance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Administrative Sciences, 15(6), 230-345.
Ray, S., Attila, F. L., Lohiya, A., Rai, P., & Datta, S.(2024). How Fintech is Influencing Financial Inclusion in India. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research in Science, Engineering and Technology.7(7),12308-12318. https://doi:10.15680/ijmrset.2024.0707070
Rebeeca, W. (2024). An Assessment of the Impact of Educational Qualifications on Employee Job Performance among Ghanaian University Administrative Staff. International Journal of Management & Entrepreneurship Research. https://doi.org/10.51594/ijmer.v6i3.978.
Sabeng, D. A., & Mensah, J. V. (2023). Job satisfaction and characteristics among staff of public higher educational institutions in Ghana. Cogent Education, 10(2), 222-6457.
Sarfo, F., Adu, M., Koompong, S., Attoh, A., & Baidoo, P. (2021). The Influence of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation in Public Universities in Ghana. American Journal of Operations Management and Information Systems. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajomis.20210603.14.
Sejal, L., & Bhavikatti, V. I. (2024). A study on compensation and reward system and its impact on the motivational level of employees. International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 6(6), 789-908
Singh, N., & Prakash, Y. (2024). Employee Engagement and The Impact of Reward Management. International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology. https://doi.org/10.22214/ijraset.2024.62649.
Skinner, B. F. (1958). Reinforcement today. American Psychologist, 13(3), 94.
Straits, B. C. & Singleton, R. A. (2012). Survey interviewing. The SAGE handbook of interview research: The complexity of the craft, 77-98.
Tumi, N., Hasan, A., & Khalid, J. (2021). Impact of Compensation, Job Enrichment and Enlargement, and Training on Employee Motivation. Business Perspectives and Research, 10(3), 121 - 139. https://doi.org/10.1177/2278533721995353.
Yusoff, R. B. M., Khan, A., & Azam, K. (2013). Job stress, performance and emotional intelligence in academia. Journal of Basic and Applied Science Research, 3(6), 1-8.
Zaidan, R., & Dewa, M. (2023). Level of Need for Motivation among Administrators Working in the Ministry of Education of Gaza Strip in the Light of Some Variables. International Journal of Childhood, Counselling and Special Education. 10(3), 21 - 39. https://doi.org/10.31559/ccse2023.5.1.3.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Abigail Dzama Anderson, Susana Asamoah, Senita Osei Badu, Harley Anane, Matthew Amoako, Gifty Nordzi

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
All articles published by CJESS are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. This license permits third parties to copy, redistribute, remix, transform and build upon the original work provided that the original work and source is appropriately cited.
