Asian Research Thesis Index

Abstract

Motivation is a key element to enhance the performance of employees in any profession. Similarly, teacher motivation is vital for the improvement in the performance of a school. Literature as well as my experiential data suggests that policies and procedures of head teacher affect teachers’ motivation in a school; which in turn, affects the performance of the teachers. Hence, to understand the phenomenon of teacher motivation through institutional policies, procedures, and leadership approaches, a qualitative approach was employed using phenomenology as the study design in two schools of a private system in Karachi. The tools used for data collection were in-depth semi structured interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis. The research participants were one head teacher, a section head and five teachers from each of the two schools. The findings of the study suggest that teacher motivation affects the performance of teachers in a positive way, which can be ensured through policies and by employing various leadership approaches. Research participants believed that teacher motivation is important in the enhancement of the overall performance of teachers and that can be brought about by catering to individual needs of the teachers. There are several factors, which influence motivation in different ways such as; relationship with colleagues and management, work environment, professional development, culture of fairness, work place with equal opportunities and different incentives. Thus, it is important to consider policy, procedures, and leadership approaches in motivating teachers. In addition to that, it is also very important to understand that the impartial attitude of principal during the implementation of policies and procedures can significantly affect motivation of teachers in a positive way. Hence, it can be stated that, a democratic and transformational leader builds a positive relationship among staff and creates a healthy working environment for teacher motivation.

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