The impact of motivation factors on academic staff performance: empirical analysis

The research aims to explore the impact of motivational factors on academic staff in universities. To achieve this purpose, a quantitative methodology was applied, where through an online questionnaire, primary data were collected and empirical analyses were carried out with econometric methods such as logit, probit and marginal effects. The impact measurement was carried out for motivating or demotivating factors, such as: work overload, unpaid work, tasks diversification, salary increase, recognition, formalisation and empowerment, transparency, etc. The research has enlightened the motivational factors with the most impact on the academic staff performance. The research value lies in the econometric models used for data analysis to produce empirical results that are not often encountered in research dealing with the motivation of academic staff. Findings suggest that higher education institutions should increase their commitment for more effective motivational policies regarding to academic staff in order to ensure higher performance and quality.