Possible effects of an incentive scheme at a technical college: a case study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an incentive scheme on staff performance at a technical college. For this purpose, a case study with semi-structured interviews was undertaken at a technical college in Port Elizabeth. The selection of the college was prompted by the need for staff morale to be raised and team spirit to be rejuvenated. The results of the investigation suggest that rewards - tangible or intangible - are linked to performance. Human resources thrive on reward and recognition from those that they interact with and this invariably influences the output of their productivity. The study further found that the absence of an incentive scheme at a technical college holds the key to many of the concerns expressed at such institutions. The findings strongly suggest that an incentive scheme be introduced at technical colleges to enhance performance levels of the staff.


South African Journal of Higher Education Vol.15(3) 2001: 168-177