Assessing Workplace Motivation in the Zambian Health Sector amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of Levy Mwanawasa General Hospital

Mutinta Ngandu and Attridge Mwelwa
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Mutinta Ngandu: Unicaf University
Attridge Mwelwa: Department of Business Studies, University of Zambia

East African Finance Journal, 2026, vol. 5, issue 1

Abstract: This study assessed workplace motivation in the Zambian health sector amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on Levy Mwanawasa General Hospital. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, targeting frontline healthcare workers who served during the pandemic. A sample of 40 respondents was selected using a combination of purposive and random sampling techniques. Quantitative data were collected through structured surveys and analyzed using descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed using coding techniques to identify recurring themes. The findings revealed that a supportive work environment and material support were key motivators, with financial incentives being more influential than recognition in sustaining commitment during the pandemic. However, non-financial incentives such as recognition were found to be more consistently motivating than structural incentives like promotions. The study further established that frontline healthcare workers were strongly motivated by teamwork, cooperation, and a family-like working environment. Overall, motivation was driven by a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors, with recognition emerging as the most powerful driver, followed by financial incentives and supportive working conditions. These findings support Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory, emphasizing that immediate recognition, adequate resources, and a teamwork-oriented environment are more critical for sustaining motivation during health crises than long-term career progression.

Keywords: Motivation; Frontline Health Workers; Work Performance; COVID-19; Working Environment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I12 J28 M54 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:cwk:eafjke:2026-08

DOI: 10.59413/eafj/v5.i1.8

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