Motivational Factors Affecting High School Teachers’ Professional Conduct and Work Performance: A Case of Public High Schools in Nairobi City
Joyce Nzulwa
Abstract
Professional conduct is critical to effective work performance of all employees including teachers. The
teaching profession requires a high degree of professionalism as required in the teacher’s code of
conduct, professional ethics and generally ‘expected’ norms for teachers by the society given the
important role teachers play in molding students, guidance and overall students’ academic
performance. The foregoing notwithstanding, there have been reports indicative that teachers
professional conduct has not been consistent with their professional call. Proper understanding and
appreciation of the underlying motivational factors affecting the professional conduct of teachers is
critical to effective management of the challenge therein. Poor professional conduct has been put
forward as a precursor to low morale and is said to lead to poor work performance. Low morale
emanates from lack of motivation and failure by employers to address employee needs, drives and
capabilities. This study sought to establish the motivational factors affecting teachers’ professional
conduct and work performance of high school teachers in Nairobi County. A descriptive survey design
was adopted, with a sample of 150 teachers. The findings indicated teachers professional conduct and
work performance is greatly influenced by motivational factors and there is need to review the
motivational tools in place to align them with the teachers need.
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