The role of social inclusion measures in motivating the public sector employees: the Nigerian example

The Nigerian public sector is multicultural where employees have different identities, interests and backgrounds but are required to work together to achieve a common goal. To enhance productivity and make the work environment conducive for all to thrive, certain social inclusion measures need to be incorporated in motivating the employees. Therefore, this study focuses on investigating how social inclusion measures can boost the morale of the Nigerian public sector employees and possible barriers to these social inclusion measures. Using the case study approach, Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority and Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission are agencies used in the study. This study is important because motivating employees only is not enough until it is inclusive to cater to all employees’ needs to enhance their performance. The main research questions are on the available social measures the employers use to motivate employees in the Nigerian public sector, the barriers to the social inclusion measures in motivating employees, and possible processes to remove the barriers. The study used survey and interviews through a mixed method approach in finding answers to these research questions. The main findings of the study show that there are existing social inclusion measures in motivating the public sector employees like inclusive polices, training and development programmes, supportive leadership, and promotion other incentives. Also, there are barriers to these social inclusion measures which need to be addressed to have a more productive workforce.