Examining the influence of self-determination theory on motivation and performance in the high-tech industry

Abstract

This thesis investigates the impact of self-determination theory (SDT) on employee motivation and performance in the high-tech industry. The data presented in this thesis involve a qualitative research methodology using semi-structured interviews with ten senior technical professionals from the telecommunications and robotics sectors. The study reveals how fulfilling the basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence, relatedness, and meaningfulness impacts employee motivation and well-being. This work proposes five key themes to support such fundamental needs: creating a supportive environment, empowering through autonomy, providing constructive feedback, creating meaningful roles, and sustaining motivation through balanced rewards and challenges.

The findings suggest that creating a supportive work environment, providing appropriate levels of autonomy, and providing meaningful feedback can enhance employee motivation and performance. It also reveals that while intrinsic motivation is crucial for ensuring sustained performance and motivation, external factors such as feeling fairly compensated and recognized are essential prerequisites. The research also underscores the importance of creating meaningful roles and balancing challenges with external rewards.

This thesis contributes to understanding how the SDT principles can be effectively applied to the high-tech industry to enhance employee motivation and performance, helping to fill the gap in current state-of-the-art.