Experts considered “employee motivation” as an important element in successful organization. Motivation is a force that comes from within and this cause us into action, where members of the organization has the direction, intensity and endurance to work willingfully and enthusiastically to accomplish the organization’s desired goals and objectives.
The existence of a good leader does not necessarily guarantee that his members will automatically perform their assigned tasks.They must come to believe that working hard and doing good job may best serve their interest and that of the organizations; thus the principle of reciprocity should prevail in order to expect more productive outputs.
Like other employees of any organization teachers’ motivation could be a very strong factor in improving school performance. It is believed that the inner feeling of how teachers view the school work while looking forward to getting certain actions done with rewards affect their accomplishments. However, how they feel about their work depends on whether the job fits their abilities and then receives just compensation and due recognition for a job well done.
Teachers who are truly motivated to work are expected to have positive attitudes which will eventually be good for the students and the school. Teachers’ performance and how they direct the learning process are conditioned and influenced by many factors, such as, the work itself, the salary merit system, style of supervision and relationship with co-workers. These factors are perceived to promote and channel motivation for peak performance especially when good working relationship exists.
Education experts believe that the existence of smooth interpersonal relationship cultivates mutually supportive and an equally productive working environment. The need for harmonious and conducive working relationship therefore is expected to bring about a stimulating environment among teachers.
In whatever manner the teacher views and perceives school work, school heads need to reinforce them with strong leadership and positive approach. Leadership styles or pattern of behavior utilized by school heads are believed to have a much bearing for teachers’ motivation. These may consist of simple range from total autocracy to almost total democracy.
Apparently, facing and working with school heads who have different personalities could be challenging to teachers. But to some it could be agonizing and uncomfortable. It is therefore important for school heads to look into the approach that will truly make every work situation stimulating to teachers.
While it is already within the nature of every teacher to comply and respond to varied activities required of them, mere obedience and compliance will not boost commitment towards their work. It will only stimulate malicious obedience and direct teachers to put only the minimum work necessary to escape reprimand, demotion and termination.
Conclusion: these, I believe can be detrimental in our quest for quality education. What we need are teachers who are highly motivated and truly productive.
By: Ms. Jesusa P. Acuña | T-1 | Sta. Rita High School, Olongapo City
