Rewards and teachers’ performance in government-aided primary schools in Kira municipality, Wakiso district, Uganda

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between rewards and job performance of teachers in government-aided primary schools in Kira Municipality Wakiso District, Uganda. Specifically, the study examined the relationship between basic pay and job performance, determined the relationship between employee recognition and job performance of teachers, and established the relationship between job security and job performance. The study was underpinned by Herzberg’s Two Factor Theory of 1959. The study adopted cross-sectional research survey design on a sample of 122 respondents that is 105 for the questionnaire and 17 for interviews. Data were collected using a questionnaire and an interview guide. Data were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative data analysis was done at univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels. Univariate involved computing descriptive statistics that were frequencies, percentages and means. Bivariate and multivariate analyses included correlation and regression analyses respectively. Qualitative data was done using content analysis. Both the quantitative and qualitative results indicated that basic pay, employee recognition and job security had a positive and significant influence on job performance. It was concluded that basic pay is paramount for job performance of teachers, recognition of teachers is imperative for their job performance, and job security is imperative for job performance of teachers. Therefore, it is recommended that government and others involved in the management of primary schools should devise means of enhancing teachers’ remunerations, should always recognize outstanding teachers, and should provide job security to enhance job performance of primary school teachers.