Reliable ways in advancing employee motivation in fast food outlets in Cape Town, South Africa

Abstract

Motivation increases the level of performances of employees and also increases their commitment in
the workplace. This implies that motivating workers is very important. The fast food workers are unique
and have their individual needs, potentials, values and goals. Job satisfaction leads to job motivation.
Therefore, when workers are satisfied, they tend to be motivated to work. The study points out the
strategies that could be used to improve the level of motivation of the fast food workers and also
discusses the causes of low employee motivation within the organization. This will also assist the
management of the fast food industries in improving the performances of their employees. A case
study approach was used for the survey because only the fast food industries were involved.
Information was obtained from both the operational workers, administration, cashiers and the
managers. A total of 200 closed-ended questionnaires and open-ended semi-interview questions were
distributed and 123 employees responded which gave a response rate of 62.5%. Research proved that
the rate of personal growth of the employee’s in their workplace was not satisfactory with a rate of
56.1% respondents. Also, the flexible time plan was not satisfactory to the workers because they were
being given a flexible time sometimes especially when their workplace is very busy. In addition, the
employee’s were not given the privilege of making decision in their workplace especially in the areas
that concerns them. However, the researcher recommended that the fast food workers should be
empowered in different ways, to give them opportunities to share their views. Also, the skills should be
developed through coaching and feedback system. The study includes only the fast food workers that
have at least six (6) months experience. This is to obtain a reliable and valid result.