INVESTIGATING THE IMPACT OF INCENTIVES ON EMPLOYEES' PERFORMANCE IN BANKS: A STUDY IN SOUTH-EASTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of incentives on employees' performance in banks located in
South-Eastern Nigeria. The research questions, objectives, hypotheses, literature review, theoretical
framework, research methodology, descriptive statistics, test of hypotheses, discussion of findings,
conclusions, theoretical contribution, practical contribution, limitations of the study, and recommendations
were considered. A quantitative research method was employed using a close-ended structured questionnaire
to analyze the impact of recognition, work environment, and training on employees' performance. The study
population consisted of 1,967 employees in selected Deposit Money Banks in South Eastern Nigeria. The
theoretical framework for the study is Vroom's Expectancy Theory, which highlights the impact of incentives
on employee performance. The study uses a research model in which independent variables determine the
dependent variable of employee performance. The findings show that recognition, work environment, and
training have a significant impact on employees' performance in banks located in South-Eastern Nigeria. The
study contributes to knowledge by investigating factors that impact employees' performance in Nigerian
banks. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the management of the banks should provide
employees with more recognition, ensure that the work environment is comfortable, and improve the skills of
employees by providing adequate training programs.