Abstract:
Motivation is one of the issues that has been debated in every field today.
Answers have been searched for questions such as "What is motivation?", "How does
one get motivated?", "What should be done to increase motivation?" etc. Motivation,
basically has two dimensions (Anonymous I, 20 I 0), one being "making employees
work better, more efficiently and effectively" from the point of view of managers, the
other being "enabling employees to do their jobs in the best way with enjoyment and
desire" from the point of view of employees. In fact, the aim of all is the same: to
maintain employees' effectiveness, efficiency and happiness in doing their jobs. This
paper utilizes survey data collected from 100 tradesmen in the construction projects
undertaken by Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Air Force. In this most
commonly, utilized factors in various researches related to the motivation in the
construction industry and few factors related to the Defence were considered. Twentyfour
factors were included in the questionnaire and candidates were expected to
indicate the level of significance against each question.
The sample size was determined from the research publication (Krekcie and
Morgan 1970) to analyze the level of motivation and 100 tradesmen were selected as
a representative sample, based on statistical theory of sampling. A total of 100
responses were received for the survey out of 100 questionnaire representing 100%
response rate. The survey revealed that, the considered factors had real effect on
motivation. "Permanent employment", "Entitlement for pension", "Protection against
any disability during the work" and "On time payment of salary, etc." had come
within top ten critical factors. The selected three factors which related to the Defence,
such as "Protection against any disability during the work", "Ability to have entitled
leave or any other emergency leave" and "Contribution from the organization for the
family members protection" had come within the top ten critical factors.
