Effect of Motivation on Employee Performance in Small and Medium Enterprises in Kano Metropolis

The paper is a conceptual research study that explores the Effect of Motivation on Employee Performance in the Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs) of Kano Metropolis. The aim of the research is to investigate the effect of intrinsic motivation (recognition, responsibility and job satisfaction) and extrinsic motivation (salary, promotion and work conditions) and its impact on employee productivity, commitment and performance overall. The research is based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory, Herzberg Two factor Theory, and Expectancy Theory of Motivation and combines theoretical knowledge to form the connection between motivators and employee performance. The research revolves around the conceptual review research methodology, and secondary sources including journal articles, institutional reports, and conference papers were used. The review is a synthesis of diverse academic views that are used to come up with the key motivational forces that affect employee performance in SMEs. The findings reveal that the extrinsic and intrinsic motivation factors are very essential in determining the attitudes of workers and their satisfaction level and the level of production. An equal use of these motivational dimensions contributes to the organizational effectiveness and retention of employees. The study, based on these insights, recommends that the SME managers ought to embrace holistic motivational approaches which will involve a combination of recognition, good remunerations, growth prospects, and conducive working environment. Policymakers should develop frameworks that encourage SME owners to institutionalize motivational practices as part of strategic management.