Do Good, Feel Good: Analyzing the performance motivation of community health workers in rural South Africa

Abstract

This study contributes to fill the gap in the existing community health worker literature by offering a more nuanced perspective on performance motivation of healthcare workers from rural South Africa. Specifically, it focuses on the various work incentives and perceived organization support that shape work performance of healthcare workers and, therefore, organizational effectiveness. By following a qualitative research design employing traditional ways of data collection, such as participant observation, focus group discussions, semi-structured face-to-face interviews with healthcare workers, senior members and program supervisors, and emergent method of co-current social research in form of an art session, the study was built upon the stories and experiences of 26 rural healthcare workers. Merging self-determination theory with perceived organizational theory, a conceptual framework was created that draws attention to specific rewards and supportive resources that an organization can offer in order to ensure the well-being of healthcare workers, and maintain high performance. Through the framework, organizations have a potential to gain a more comprehensive picture on their employees’ performance motivation. In fact, it might potentially shape the way organizations look at their support system and its impact on a more holistic level