Relative importance of satisfaction dimensions on service performance - a developing country context

Frimpong, Kwabena and Wilson, Alan (2013) Relative importance of satisfaction dimensions on service performance - a developing country context. Journal of Service Management, 24 (4). ISSN 1757-5818

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Abstract

Paper seeks to examine the relevance of some existing Western motivation/job design theories in explaining employees’ service performance, termed as service orientation in delivery in a developing country context. The Two Factor Theory (motivation and hygiene factors) of job satisfaction and motivation is tested using a case study from a developing economy, Ghana. Survey data was collected from 535 retail bank employees of two large commercial banks across 85 branches in the final phase of the research. Multiple and hierarchical regression as well as split sample analyses were used to examine data. Overall, the findings indicate some support for the validity and relevance of the satisfaction-service performance thesis even in a non-developed economy. Some outcomes, however, seem to challenge the validity of the Two Factor Theory: Context/hygiene satisfaction elements emerged as better predictors of service performance than content/motivator factors. In particular, context satisfaction dimension relating to co-workers appeared to be most important predictor. Satisfaction with pay and rewards, however, appeared unimportant to the service performance of the bank employees surveyed. As the research was limited to the banking sector from only one developing country, generalisations and applications of its findings should be made with caution. Future studies which provide broader conceptual and empirical views, in terms of how specific co-worker attitudes and behaviours motivate or discourage service-oriented performances in multi-country studies, could be useful. Despite its limitations, the confirmation of the satisfaction-performance thesis in this paper, may indicate to managers that some, if not all, of the management theories taught in American/European schools may be equally relevant to developing economies such as Ghana. In addition, the findings provide managers insights regarding the potential importance of context satisfaction elements to employees’ service performance. This paper extends the service orientation in delivery literature in a developing country context.

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