Motivational practices and their suitability in an accounting company

This thesis is conducted for analyzing the motivation level of two working communities in an accounting company in Eastern Finland. The purpose is to increase management awareness of the personnel well-being and work motivation after major changes, and to search out most suitable motivational practices for the certain working communities. The study results and proposals would help to improve the personnel commitment and well-being at work that leads to enhance of the company’s profitability and success. The study is based on the qualitative research method. Research is started by gathering and handling the most common motivational theories, and what is about motivation. The most referred theories in this study are Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, Herzberg’s two factor theory, Vroom’s expectancy theory and Locke’s goal setting-theory. Motivational theories and study material were gathered from literature, magazines, web publications, interviews and empirical experiences. After the theoretical part the current motivating practices in the company are presented. The empirical part was started by preparing a motivational related questionnaire for the employees. Questions of the survey consisted of motivation related multiple-choice questions and couple of open ended questions. For support the survey results empirical observations were made during the author’s internship in the target company. The survey results demonstrated clearly the need for development. Motivation level was declined due to the changes in personnel and used practices for motivating were challenged. The most critical factor to develop proved to be internal communication and management skills. The research results, analysis of them and proposals are presented in the last chapters of the thesis. The project overall was successful from the both the author and from the commissioners point of view. Comprehensive analyzing of the current situation rose up also some new interesting topics for further studies as implication of cultural differences within the organization, and change management in the company.