Promotion : an in-depth analysis of what drives employees to seek promotion within the workplace.

• Main Author: Andersen, Lorne.
• Other Authors: Challenor, Robin Martin.
• Language: en
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: Promotions.; Theses > Business administration.; Career development.
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10413/4546

Everyday and in all facets of industry some people are motivated to seek promotion. The reasons behind this motivation to succeed are vague and very little information exists to explain why people seek promotion. It was on this basis that this study was undertaken; to add to knowledge of what motivates people to seek promotion. The common thought or belief is that people seek promotion so as to earn more and to increase their living standards and to be financially “better off” than their current circumstances. However, this study has shown that not to be the case. People are not only driven by financial gains but instead have a deeper desire to succeed. A probability sample of 123 was drawn from people who work within industry and hold various positions from senior management to those at the bottom of the organisational hierarchy. The sample was made up of 43.9% in management, 29.27% in administrative positions, and 26.83% working within the factory environment. The gender making up this sample was 21.95% female and 78.05% male. The majority of the data collected was through an online survey web page and the balance through respondents completing a paper based questionnaire. Statistical analysis software called SPSS was used to subject the data collected to statistical scrutiny. The salient feature of this study is that people displayed high levels of confidence in either being a manager or belief that they would do well as a manager. The study also shows that people are not motivated through financial rewards as a precursor for promotion, but instead seek promotion to better their non-financial lives. Personal satisfaction, job satisfaction and the desire for a challenge are the main factors for promotional desires. This dissertation has added to knowledge of what motivates people to seek promotion. The information can be used by organisations to assess their staff for promotional abilities and gives a broader understanding of why their people seek promotion. === Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2009.