Abstract:
This research set out to analyze the needs and preference of Nigerian employees with a view to determining how they can be effectively motivated to perform optimally at work for the overall benefit of their organizations and themselves. Various motivation theories including Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs, Hertzberg’s Hygiene theory and Alderfer’s famous ERG theory of motivation were reviewed. The population of the study comprised of the entire staff of the Nigerian Bottling Company, 7up Bottling Company, mainly in Enugu. Questionnaires were administered and the data analyzed using simple percentage, while the chi-square statistic was used to test the formulated hypotheses. The questionnaires dealt with the motivational impact of salaries, fringe benefits, regular promotion, status enhancement and job security among others. Remuneration was discovered to be a key motivator irrespective of staff status within the organization. The study revealed that an average Nigerian employee would be motivated by prospects of promotion and motivated the more if promoted. Constant elevation at work based on merit, backed up with financial rewards remains a valued preference of the workers. Stagnation on a particular rank is abhorred by the employees. It is recommended that further research should be conducted in the other locations where soft drink industry is established in Nigeria.
