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International Business Research; Vol. 10, No. 7; 2017
ISSN 1913-9004 E-ISSN 1913-9012
Published by Canadian Center of Science and Education
1
The Effect of Low Morale and Motivation on Employees’
Productivity & Competitiveness in Jordanian Industrial Companies
Osama Samih Shaban1, Ziad Al-Zubi1, Nafez Ali1, Atalla Alqotaish1
1Faculty of Economics & Administrative Sciences, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
Correspondence: Osama Shaban, Faculty of Economics & Administrative Sciences, Al-Zaytoonah University of
Jordan, P.O. Box 130, 11733, Amman, Jordan.
Received: April 26, 2017 Accepted: May 17, 2017 Online Published: June 7, 2017
doi:10.5539/ibr.v10n7p1 URL: https://doi.org/10.5539/ibr.v10n7p1
Abstract
The current study aims to examine the effect of low morale and motivation on employees’ productivity and
competitiveness. Low productivity and loss of competitiveness are outcomes of low morale and low motivation
and may sometimes lead to further undesired symptoms such as absenteeism and sabotage. A questionnaire was
designed to achieve the purpose of this purpose, and it was distributed to selected accounting and management
employees working in different Jordanian business environments. The number of questionnaires analyzed were
(276) questionnaires. Resolution data were analyzed using the statistical program Smart PLS (Partial Least
Square). The study concluded that low morale and low motivation affect productivity and competitiveness, and it
also recommends that management should work on increasing productivity by increasing employees’ satisfaction
through re-engineering systems and processes and providing incentives, education and training.
Keywords: low morale, low motivation, productivity, competitiveness, Jordanian industrial companies
1. Introduction
In general, high morale leads to high productivity; but there is not always a positive correlation between the two.
Close supervision, time studies, and scientific management can be applied in order to reach a high level of
productivity, but sometimes, we can reach a high productivity by low morale. However, it is doubtful whether
this combination can last (Rao, 2007). Renis Likert explains different combinations of morale and productivity
viz: high morale and low productivity; high morale and high productivity; low morale and high productivity; and
low morale and low productivity (Likert, 1932). We can say that managers have to work for improving the
morale of their employees, as high morale makes for a better working environment, and it helps the organization
to attain its goals easily.
Organizations want its employees to be more productive. But will motivation be enough to get things done? And
what motivates our behavior? Employees are considered the most important resources, and the winning card in
the hands of management. Low productivity may be traceable to poor employee motivation. The success and
effectiveness of any firm depend to a large extent, on how well employees are motivated. Theories of human
resource management, as well as theories of motivation, suggest that motivated employees tend to be more
creative and productive, and it is wise for any management to use these theories in order to increase productivity
and competitiveness (Stephen, 2014).
Competition can be defined as a contest between individuals or groups where they strive to attain and reach
particular goals (Ryckman & et al., 2009). The concept of competitiveness has been linked to early socialization
processes between parents and children. Parents often teach individualism to their children and this is often
characterized by making distinctions between themselves and others (Collier et al., 2010). Motivation and
competitiveness go hand in hand. Individuals who are extremely motivated are also extremely competitive as
they know the way and the means to accomplish their goals. On the other hand, other individuals use
competition in a negative way. These individuals use competition selfishly to achieve their goals without
considering the consequences to themselves and others (Collier et al., 2010).
Society places great emphasis and pressure on competition. There is a controlling focus on being competitive
and successful (Ryckman & et al., 2009). This kind of focus can cause low intrinsic motivation as individuals
may feel lost between the ways (please confirm) and the gains. This concept is known as the hidden cost of
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reward; that is, reward is having the opposite effect on the individual. So, instead of motivating them to win, it
causes them lower intrinsic motivation (Abuhamdeh & Csikszentmihaly, 2009).
The current research problem focuses on how low morale and motivation of employees, who feel they are not
being recognized as valuable contributors to the system, and hence get no rewards for the good work that they do,
may lead to low productivity, loss of competitiveness, and sometimes, further undesired symptoms such as
absenteeism and sabotage.
In order not to lose focus of the study’s importance, the current research is going to cover all aspects of low
morale and motivation and their effects on productivity and competitiveness. These two important aspects are
attributed to employee’s negative psychology. From the researchers’ point of view, these two factors are very
important and are worth discussing.
The objectives of the current study aim to examine the effect of low morale and motivation on employee's
productivity and competitiveness. This research will try to attain the following objectives:
1- To stand on the causes of low morale and motivation;
2- To point out the effect of low morale and motivation on employee's productivity and competitiveness.
2. Literature Review
Morale is an elusive quality which involves feelings, emotions, attitude and perception towards the organization
and its members. Positive morale is usually characterized by discipline, confidence and willingness to perform.
Low morale can be attributed to many factors such as job insecurity, lack of fair compensation policy, uncertain
business conditions, and excessive outsourcing practices. Low morale affects company income, productivity,
financial competitiveness and organizational objectives (Sauermann & Cohen, 2008). Low morale is an outcome
of managerial behavior where managers address their employees from a top-down command and refuse to
communicate directly on workplace issues (Sauermann & Cohen, 2008). This kind of communication results in a
gap between employees and managers, which in turn leads to employee distrust, disrespect, and reduction of
morale and workforce motivation (Chungsup & et al., 2012). Low morale also causes employees to lose interest,
especially when managers don’t appreciate their efforts and the tasks performed (Zeynep & Huckman, 2008). A
costly indicator of low morale is high employee turnover. This happens when employees leave their jobs because
they feel unhappy and have no incentives to stay. The negative effect of employee turnover is disconcerting
because of its great implication both on financial and on productivity levels. Financially means the company has
to hire new employees either with payment of higher salaries or by additional recruiting expenses. At the
production level, the employees who leave will take with them the knowledge, skills and ability that helped
contribute to the goals, profit and performance of the organization (Lee & Liu, 2009).
Absenteeism is another costly indicator of low morale. Unjustified absenteeism increases cost and decreases
productivity (Abbot, 2003). According to an article in ‘The Leading Edge’, “dissatisfied employees who are
discontented with their bosses can have a high price tag”. (Abbot, 2003). Management should work on
controlling the effects of low morale through the understanding of their employees’ potentials and their core
work processes, understanding their abilities, enriching employees’ job and recognizing their achievements
(Ngambi, 2011).
The second perspective of this study is motivation. Motivation has been the core of many studies. Some studies
earlier carried out in the eighties and nineties of this century have discussed this concept extensively. Mitacheel
(1982), and Steers & Peter (1983), Baron (1991) stated that motivation is the internal process that activates,
guides and maintains behavior (Steers & Porter, 1983). At the beginning of the twentieth century, other
researchers such as Buchanan & Hueznski (2004), stated that motivation is “the cognitive decision making
process through which goal directed behavior is initiated, energized, directed and maintained” (Bucharan &
Huczynski, 2004). Butler & Rose (2011) defined motivation as the course of movement, the inspiration behind
activity, and the feeling within an individual that makes him want to achieve personal need or expectation
(Bulter & Rose, 2011). Recently Osabiya (2015) defined motivations as “the driving force within individuals by
which they attempt to achieve specific goal in order to fulfill some needs or expectations” (Osabiya, 2015).
Achieving sustained high levels of performance is usually the aim of every organization. Employees are
considered the main tools of such aimed performance, and motivation is considered the means to achieve such
performance. In other words, high attention should be given to methods of motivating individuals in order to
achieve the desired goals.
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The current research study links motivation with productivity. It indicated a positive correlation between
motivation and the level of productivity in many organizations. Companies that use motivation to enhance a
higher level of productivity are considered world class and compete globally, and this in-turn creates sustained
competitiveness (Stephen, 2014). Also, researches indicate that a person who is motivated works hard, sustains a
pace of hard work, and has self-directed behavior to achieve the desired goals. On the other hand, low motivation
with low productivity is often considered a problem. To fully understand motivation, studies state that, there are
two types of motivation: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic motivation concerns tangible, real rewards that are
received by the employees, while intrinsic motivation is built inside the person and is natural to him (Bulter &
Rose, 2011). According to the individual’s psychology, there is an inherent set of needs through which an
individual can be satisfied through rewards for his work performance (Ozturk, 2012).
The other element concerning this study is productivity. Productivity is defined as the effective and efficient
utilization of all resources; material, labor, capital, information and time (ILO, 2017). Low productivity is
indicated through many signs which include poor quality of domestic outputs, lack of competitiveness of
products in international markets, shortages of skills, low production technology, poor industrial relations, and
poor human resource management. Research findings indicate that there is a link between motivation and
productivity in the industrial sector. When an employee’s needs are met, it means that he derives satisfaction
from the job and eventually, this creates a motivated employee (Nwasike, 1991). All motivation theories tend to
support the idea that a motivated worker willingly uses his ability in a constructive way to accomplish the tasks
assigned to him. A motivated employee’s work attitude is wholesome and tends toward high performance and
productivity (Stephen, 2014).
In General, high motivation and high morale lead to high productivity as it was mentioned in the introduction of
this research paper. However, there is not always a positive correlation between them. Close supervision, time
studies, and scientific management can be applied in order to reach a high level of productivity, Renis Likert as it
was stated earlier, mentioned different combinations of morale and productivity: high morale and low
productivity; high morale and high productivity; low morale and high productivity; and low morale and low
productivity. Managers have to work for improving the morale of their employees, as high morale makes the
work a better working environment, and it helps the organization to attain its goals easily (Likert, 1932).
The final element of the study variables is competitiveness. As earlier stated, motivation and competitiveness go
hand in hand together, competition is found in all aspects of life; even among brothers and sisters. Competition
has a great impact on the motivation of an individual. Some individuals use competition in a positive way. They
use it in order to gain personal growth and to help themselves in reaching their potential goals. Other individuals
use competition in a negative way. They use competition selfishly to achieve their goals without considering the
consequences on themselves and others (Collier et al., 2010). Individuals who are extremely motivated are also
extremely competitive as they know the way and the means to accomplish their goals.
3. Method
The primary data needed for the study objectives were collected through a survey conducted among different
Jordanian industrial companies. The total listed industrial companies in Jordan are 64 companies, with a total of
580 employees working at different managerial levels. The research study sample size is 295 employees which
were determined using the sample size formula at 95% confidence level, and 4% confidence interval, and a total
of 580 employees which constitute the study population.
A questionnaire designed for this purpose was distributed randomly to the working employees taking part in
actions and activities that has to do with carrying out businesses in their companies in November 2015, as well
as to different managerial levels. The number of valid questionnaires analyzed was 276 out of 295 distributed
which constitute 93.5% of total questionnaires distributed. The questionnaire was designed to feature 24
questions, with 9 questions specifically on low morale, 8 questions specifically on low motivation, and finally, 7
questions specifically on productivity and competitiveness. Resolution data were analyzed using the statistical
program Smart PLS.
Quantitative data were collected using self-administered questionnaires, in which the employees were asked to
state the likelihood (on a 5-point scale: [5] strongly agree; [4] agree; [3] neutral; [2] disagree; [1] strongly
disagree).
Other Data was collected from secondary sources. Secondary data is collected from articles published by the
well-known periodicals, books, and dissertations.
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3.1 Statistical Analysis
The Statistical Package for Social Sciences- Smart PLS was applied in analyzing the data received; Statistical
Analysis tools include the followings:
1. Descriptive Statistics, mainly frequencies and percentages, were used to analyze sample characteristics
according to job, educational level, professional certificates, and experience.
2. Correlation, Inter-correlation, Regression, and Path Coefficient were used to analyze and describe study
variables from a statistical point.
3. Reliability Test using Cronbach’s Alpha was used to test the reliability of the scale.
3.2 Research Design
Figure 1. Research Design
The research design is formed out of three main elements that constitute the research design. The Model in
Figuret-1 shows the effect of low morale and low motivation on the Productivity and Competitiveness.
3.3 Study Hypothesis
H1: Low morale has an effect on low motivation.
H2: Low morale has an effect on Productivity and Competitiveness.
H3: Low motivation has an effect on Productivity and Competitiveness.
3.4 Data Analysis and Findings
3.4.1 Reliability Test
Cronbach’s Alpha was used to test the internal reliability of the measurement instrument. According to Uma,
Sekrran a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.60 or higher is considered acceptable (Sekrran, 2003). As shown in Table 1 the
Cronbach’s Alphas (α) ranged from 0.692 to 0.916, thus establishing the reliability of the survey questionnaire. It
is obvious that all values of alpha are acceptable and relatively high. This indicates that for each measurement of
a variable, the items are correlated and hence highly consistent. Table 1 shows the Cronbach's Alpha for each
scale:
Table 1. Cronbach’s Alpha
Cronbach's Alpha
Low Morale
0.825959
Low Motivation
0.692194
Productivity & Competitive ness
0.916212
3.4.2 Sample Characteristics
74% of the respondents were males and 26% were females; most of them were between the ages of 26 and 45
years. Most respondents had an average experience of more than 5 years. 67% of the respondents were Office
Clarks, 19% Deputy Managers, 9% Heads of departments, and, finally, 5% were executive managers. 70% of the
respondents had Bachelors’ degree, and the remaining 30% had other degrees. Demographic data is shown in
Table 2.
Low
Motivation
(MV)
Productivity &
Competitivenes
s
Low
Morale
(ML)
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Table 2. Demographics Data for the Research Study
Variable
Group
Frequencies
%
Sex
Male
204
74
Female
72
26
Total
276
100%
Age
Less than 25 years
46
17
From 26 years—35 years
82
30
More than 36 years—45 years
88
32
More than 46 years
60
21
Total
276
100%
Professional Certificate
Bachelors' Degree
192
70
Other Degree
84
30
Total
276
100%
Job Title
Executive
16
5
Head of Department
24
9
Deputy Manager
52
19
Office Clark
184
67
Total
276
100%
Experiences
Less than 5 years
28
9
From 6 years – 10 years
112
41
More than 11 years – 15 years
90
33
More than 16 years
46
17
Total
276
100%
3.4.3 Smart PLS Results
The structural model results are shown in Exhibit 2. Examining the path coefficients, the numbers in Table 3
enable us to determine that Low Morale has the strongest effect on Low Motivation (0.985), followed by Low
Morale on Productivity and Competitiveness (0.354). The effect between Low motivation and Productivity and
Competitiveness was (0.630). The results further show that the relationship between the three variables is
statistically significant. Based on their path coefficient scores, it would appear that the influence of Low Morale
and Low Motivation on Productivity and Competitiveness is significant. However, it seems very unlikely that the
hypothesized path relationship between Low Motivation and Productivity and Competitiveness which is (0.354)
is relatively weak compared to path relationship between Low Morale and Low Motivation (0.985), and Low
Morale on Productivity and Competitiveness (0.630) but still significant. This is as the findings of Smart PLS
rule explains that the path Coefficient is significant if it is above 0.015.
Table 3. Path coefficient
Path coefficient
Low Morale
Low Motivation
Productivity & Sustainability
Low Morale
0.985097
0.354857
Low Motivation
0.630448
Productivity & Competitive ness
The table above (please confirm this) shows the outcomes of R Square which represents the proportion of
variation in the responses that is explained by the original model using predictor values from the test data.
Moreover, the three constructs explain between 57% to 66% percent of the variance of the endogenous latent
construct Low motivation (R² = 0.570), and endogenous latent construct Productivity and Competitiveness
(R² = 0.664). According to R square results, it is considered moderate. Table 4 illustrates the R-square results
Table 4. R square
R Square
Low Morale
Low Motivation
0.570416
Productivity & Competitive ness
0.664157
The convergent validity assessment is associated with the Average Variance Estimated (AVE) value. The
evaluation of validity criterion in table 5 illustrates that the AVE values of Low Morale (0.531), Low Motivation
(0.508), and Productivity and Competitiveness (0.701) are all above the cutoff point of 0.50. Therefore, all
reflective constructs demonstrate high levels of convergent validity (Fornell & Larcker, 1981). Figure 2
illustrates THE Smart PLS results as a whole.
Table 5. AVE
AVE
Low Morale
0.531549
Low Motivation
0.508221
Productivity and Competitiveness
0.701575
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Figure 2. Model Results
4. Conclusions & Recommendations
4.1 Conclusions
The results show that the relationship between the three variables is statistically significant. Based on their path
coefficient scores, it would appear that the influence of Low Morale and Low Motivation on Productivity and
Competitiveness is significant, so the research hypothesis stating that Low Morale and Low Motivation affects
Productivity and Competitiveness and makes on limiting its consequences.
The Real cause behind low employee morale can include uncertain business conditions, limited upward rewards,
job security issues, lack of fair compensation policy, and excessive outsourcing policy.
4.2 Recommendations
Management should ensure a positive work environment which encourages confidence, discipline, and
willingness to perform the job in the best possible manner.
Management should also work on strong and sustained compensation policies that bridge the gap
between the payrolls of the employees.
Management should work on increasing productivity by increasing employees’ satisfaction through
re-engineering systems and processes, providing education and training.
Encouraging practices that focus on learning of personal development competitive attitudes.
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