Self-Identity is a Function of a Good Motivational Model

Abstract

In this article, I argue for the position that self-identity is a function of a good motivational model. Employee motivational models have a bearing on organisational performance and growth. While I am aware that various motivational models influence employee performance in the workplace, my view is that not enough education has been provided for employees to understand how their performance can be further enhanced. This article therefore presents propositions of a self-identity motivational model as a theoretical model. The propositions were developed from a study that adopted a pragmatic paradigm and a mixed methods research approach and a case study research design. The main purpose of the study was to investigate employees’ perceptions of their motivational models at selected government primary teacher-education colleges in Zimbabwe. Convenience and purposive sampling methods were used in selecting three primary teacher-education colleges and eleven lecturers. For triangulation purposes, document analysis, open-ended questionnaire, reflective journals, semi-structured face-to-face interviews and focus group discussion were used as data generation/production instruments. Emails and zoom platform were used since the study was carried out during Covid-19 era. Data that were gathered were analysed through guided analysis and a thematic approach. Furthermore, in order to ensure trustworthiness, issues of dependability, confirmability, credibility and transferability were considered in this study. In addition, ethical issues were employed, such as use of consent letters, anonymity and withdrawals. The study concluded that, employees ought to develop self-identity that would help them to become self-actualised; and become permanently motivated even beyond the workplace.