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Reward Systems and Staffers' Retention in Rivers State Ministry of Works, 2013-2025

Titity, Emmanuel Tamarakuro, Graham Nsiegbe, PhD

Abstract

Staff retention remains a persistent challenge within public sector institutions in Nigeria, where inadequate reward systems often undermine motivation, morale, and service delivery. In technical ministries, such as the Ministry of Works, the balance between financial compensation and non-financial incentives plays a critical role in shaping staff commitment and retention policies. Understanding how monetary and non-monetary rewards influence staff behavior is therefore essential for sustaining an efficient and stable public workforce. This study examined the implications of monetary and non-monetary rewards on staff retention in public institutions, with a specific focus on the Rivers State Ministry of Works from 2013 to 2025. Guided by Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory, the study adopted a qualitative descriptive design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with staff, senior management, and human resource managers and analyzed using qualitative content analysis to identify emerging themes and patterns. Findings revealed that monetary rewards significantly reduce staff turnover by addressing basic needs such as financial security and stability. However, non-monetary rewards—including recognition, opportunities for career development, and supportive work environments—were found to play a stronger role in enhancing job satisfaction, morale, and long-term retention. The study concludes that public institutions must adopt a holistic reward framework that aligns financial compensation with professional growth, recognition, and fairness. The study recommends the institutionalization of training, promotion, and recognition programs, alongside transparent reward administration policies as a strategy to advance staff retention in public organization.

Keywords

Reward Systemsstaff retentionmonetary and non-monetary incentivesmotivationPublic Institutions

References

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