creators_name: Azhar Ahmad, 
type: thesis
datestamp: 2009-07-31 03:52:21
lastmod: 2015-09-09 05:49:35
metadata_visibility: show
corp_creators: Open University Malaysia (OUM)
title: What motivates the Malaysian workforce : content and process
ispublished: unpub
subjects: HD28
full_text_status: public
keywords: Motivation ; Personnel management 
abstract: If human resources are to be effectively utilized, management has to understand
what motivates employees. While motivation research has produced some solid
evidence in the western world, little is known about what motivates their
counterparts in developing countries especially Malaysia.
This MM project paper aims to explore the responsiveness of Malaysian workforce
with varying ethnical cultures values to work motivation concepts. This research is
beneficial in understanding the key motivating factors for Malaysians to improve
work satisfaction and productivity.
In order to empirically test the work motivation content and process effectiveness in
the Malaysian settings, this study has developed a cultural-based work motivation
model. The research instrument developed with local contents as its major focus,
built upon (i) organizational behavior's cultural dimensions concepts; and (ii) work
motivation theories from both content and process approaches.
Based on mean responses, the rank order of work motivation content factors in
descending importance is: (i) financial rewards; (ii) recognition; (iii) good working
conditions; (iv) growth and promotion opportunities; and (v) achievement needs. The
data analysis suggested that Malaysian employees are generally responsive to most
work motivation processes.
Finding showed (i) correlation between motivational factors and ethnic values; and
(ii) employee's demographic profile influences the motivation inclination. The
evidence suggested further research area into the comparative study of the foreign
and local work motivation needs to clearly determine cross-cultural implications on
work motivation theories.
date: 2005
date_type: submitted
pages: 97
institution: Open University Malaysia (OUM)
department: Centre for Graduate Studies (CGS)
thesis_type: masters
citation:   Azhar Ahmad,   (2005) What motivates the Malaysian workforce : content and process.  Masters thesis, Open University Malaysia (OUM).   
document_url: https://library.oum.edu.my/repository/244/1/library-document-244.pdf