The nexus of employee motivation and leadership: A study of the government employees in Georgia

Abstract

This research explores the interplay between employee motivation and leadership qualities within the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development and the Ministry of Finance of Georgia. A survey involving 821 government employees was conducted to identify the factors influencing employee motivation and the potential barriers associated with dissatisfaction with supervisors. The study uses statistical methods to identify critical factors shaping motivation, including principal component analysis and Spearman correlation coefficients. Key determinants include satisfaction with supervisors, external motivators, and performance evaluations. Employee engagement emerges as a significant driver, particularly for men and younger employees. The study also reveals variations in motivation related to gender and age, with women and senior employees displaying higher motivation levels. Furthermore, the research identifies dominant leadership qualities that impact employees' desire for managerial change, a primary motivational barrier. This study offers practical insights for enhancing employee motivation and optimizing leadership strategies, particularly within the Georgian Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development and the Ministry of Finance.