Unveiling the Influence of Employees’ Intrinsic Motivational Factors on Work Performance in the Malaysian Banking Industry: Investigating the Role of Psychological Ownership as a Mediator

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating effect of psychological ownership on the relationship between intrinsic motivating factors and front-line employees’ work performance at banking sectors in Malaysia. Basically, this study examines the influence of four independent variables which categorized as intrinsic (Achievement, Personal Growth, Advancement and Responsibility) motivating factors whereas dependent variable is front-line employees’ work performance. This study was conducted to identify problems concerning work performance of front-line employees which specifically on poor employee retention, work-related stress, and inflexibility in Malaysian banking sectors. Personal distribution and online mail questionnaires were used as research tools in this study. A total of 3700 front-line employees were chosen as respondents for the questionnaire, but only 370 are entitled for further analysis. The survey data was collected over the course of one month. The results stated that only responsibility and advancement have significant positive influence on front-line employees’ work performance whereas personal growth have positive impact on psychological ownership. Meanwhile, the four independent variables do not have any effect on work performance with the existing of psychological ownership. The findings of this research will assist bank management in implementing effective strategies for improving employee work performance that eventually led to business growth.