Antecedents of employee motivation at the Perishable Products Export Control Board in South Africa

The study aimed to identify predictors of employee motivation at the Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB). The study's objectives were to determine, using structural equational modelling, whether a relationship exists between employee motivation (dependent variable), job characteristics and supervisor support at the PPECB. The study also sought to determine, employing ANOVA, whether statistically significant differences exist in employee motivation across regions at PPECB. The study utilised an ex post facto correlational research design to test the relationships between the variables. The target population were full-time and temporary PPECB employees, and a non-probability convenience sampling was used. The Job Characteristic Scale (JCS), Work Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation Scale (WEIMS) and perceived Supervisory Support Scale (PSSS) measurement instruments were used to collect data. A sample of n = 275 completed the questionnaire. Psychometric properties of the measurement scales utilised in the questionnaire were examined through item and factor analysis. All measurement scales yielded satisfactory reliability coefficients. Furthermore, Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was utilised to evaluate the structural model. The close fit null hypothesis was rejected, and it was revealed that the proposed model provided a permissible explanation of the relationships between the variables. From the findings, autonomy, experiencing meaningfulness, and supervisory support affected employee motivation, while feedback did not significantly affect employee motivation. The secondary objective investigates the data that did not support differences in motivation levels across regions/divisions. The study recommends that job characteristics and supervisory support be considered in the planning and designing of employees’ jobs. Increased freedom in decision-making and job rotation were cited as ways Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) could increase employees’ motivation.