A qualitative, cross-sectional study describing employee motivation as perceived by Petrol Station employees in Durban, KwaZulu Natal

Abstract

The petroleum sector in South Africa can be challenging especially when dealing with the motivating of petrol attendants. Petrol attendants may experience poor communication and management as well as a lack of incentives which are considered demotivating factors. It is essential for employers at petrol service stations to understand the motivation experienced by petrol attendants to ensure job satisfaction. The aim of this phenomenological qualitative study was to describe employee motivation as perceived by petrol attendants in the petroleum sector, specifically in petrol stations in the Durban area. This study analysed Herzberg’s Two-Factor theory with regards to employee motivation experienced by petrol attendants. Petrol attendants were asked questions based on Herzberg’s Two-Factor theory, through semi-structured interviews. Thereafter, a six-step thematic analysis process was used to determine the findings of the data collected. Findings included the following themes; teamwork makes the dream work, communication of supervisors provides clarity and less confusion, reward and recognition, family over money. This study is significant to the management field as it will provide insight on how managers can increase employee motivation in the petroleum sector.