Fuelling Success: Exploring the Dynamic Link Between Motivation and Job Satisfaction in Higher Education

Abstract

This study delved into the intricate nexus between motivation and job satisfaction among lecturers within a specific institution of higher education, conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gathering data from 124 academic staff members through a cross-sectional survey, the research employed a range of statistical analyses including Cronbach’s alpha and Pearson correlation, using Statistics Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 28. The findings illuminated a robust and dynamic link between motivation and job satisfaction among academic staff in this higher learning establishment. Emphasising the cultivation of human capital, the university is urged to enhance the multifaceted proficiencies of its personnel, a strategic pursuit anticipated to elevate job satisfaction and thereby facilitate more effective and proficient execution of roles and responsibilities. This scholarly contribution stands out by exploring the intricate interplay between motivation and job satisfaction within the context of higher education, thereby expanding the reservoir of specialised knowledge. Notably, the institution employed diverse learning strategies during and post-pandemic to support the teaching staff and promote productivity. This study prompts academic institutions to contemplate the motivational dynamics and job contentment indices of their academic staff, accentuating the importance of organisational fidelity. The study’s implications extend into the realm of organisational policy formulation, guiding a strategic trajectory toward heightened job satisfaction and fortified organisational allegiance.