The Influence of Motivation on Performance of Teachers in the Hohoe Municipality of Ghana

Abstract

Teacher motivation has become an important issue given their responsibility to impart knowledge and skills to learners. Consequently this study investigated the effect of motivation on the performance of primary school teachers in the Hohoe Municipality of the Volta Region. Specifically, the study sought to find out whether motivation of teachers had any effect on their morale to perform.  A descriptive survey research design was adopted where a total sample of 135 respondents including teachers, head teachers, school management committee members (SMC) and the Hohoe Municipal Education Officer (MEO) constituted the respondents for the study. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires for teachers as well as key informant interview guides for head teachers and the MEO .A focus group discussion was also held with SMC members in the area .Consequently, both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Findings revealed a significant influence of motivation on the performance of teachers in the municipality through existing reward systems (e.g. salary, bonuses, promotion).  In order to improve teacher motivation and performance at work, the study recommended increase in salary of primary teachers to match the increased cost of living, provision of accommodation to teachers, strengthening of supervision as well as instituting awards for good performance among teachers.

Keywords: motivation, performance, reward system