Motivation and job satisfaction in Ghana, a case study of the garment manufacturing sector in the Upper East Region

Abstract

The potential of the textile and clothing industries to contribute to long-run growth and development will depend not only on the quality and effectiveness of government policies and institutions in developing countries but also on motivation and job satisfaction. The purpose of the study was to assess the levels of motivation and job satisfaction in the garment manufacturing sector in the Upper East Region of Ghana. The Descriptive research design was used to conduct the study. Using the multistage sampling technique where both the convenience and purposive sampling techniques were used to select a total 150 participants from 15 dress making shops in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Questionnaires were used as the main data collection instruments. The study found that workers in the garment manufacturing industry in the Upper East Region of Ghana are both intrinsically and extrinsically motivated even though most of them agreed the work pressure puts stress on them. Also, workers enjoyed professional relationships with their colleagues, enjoyed such relationships outside of work and the businesses do a lot to improve such relationships amongst staff. In addition, the study observed that workers in the garment manufacturing industry in the Upper East are generally satisfied with the work processes, competences of their supervisors, the working conditions and business policies. From the findings the study recommended that the dressmakers association must develop a standard remuneration and motivation protocol for its members to boost morale of workers in the garment manufacturing industry and also, stakeholders in the industry must be encouraged to take the issues staff motivation seriously which goes a long way to increase the satisfaction of employees on the job.