AGE DIFFERENCES IN WORK MOTIVATION: AN EMPIRICAL ASSESSMENT FOR GHANA

Research on age differences in work motivation continues to allure researchers over the years. In the current research, the effect of age on work motivation has been empirically examined to determine whether age differences exist in motivation and also whether age is associated positively or negatively with work motivation. The paper is based on quantitative design, cross-sectional study research, and descriptive analysis. A sample size of 140 was selected using a convenient sampling method. Data was collected using a self-designed questionnaire in the Likert format. There were significant age differences in work motivation for some motivational variables, using the One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and an insignificant positive and negative association between age and work motivation factors, using the Pearson correlation test. Because motivation varies with age institutions should adjust their human resource policies to reflect the needs of employees according to the various age groups. The older employees were less motivated in the study and hence further studies in identifying what motivates the older respondents in the study area are worth embarking on. Further empirical research in a longitudinal study is worth embarking on to assess the changes in ages of respondents to determine whether the current results will be replicated or not.