RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NON-FINANCIAL MOTIVATION ON EMPLOYEES' PERFORMANCE IN AN ORGANIZATION

Human resource management is a critical determinant of organizational success. Kenya Highlands University has faced several challenges that have affected its growth, including poor performance and high staff turnover. This study sought to examine the effect of non-financial motivation on employee performance at Kenya Highlands University, Kericho, Kenya. The study was anchored on Herzberg’s hygiene theory and adopted a positivist research philosophy. A correlational research design was employed, targeting 80 university staff members. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed with the aid of SPSS Version 26 and SMART-PLS Version 4.0. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Descriptive statistics involved means and standard deviations, while inferential analysis employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to test hypotheses. The findings revealed that there was no direct significant relationship between non-financial motivation and employee performance. Based on this, the study concluded that non-financial motivation does not directly influence employee performance. However, it recommended that organizations should consider recruiting and retaining employees who are proactive, committed, and intrinsically motivated, as they are more likely to respond positively to non-financial incentives, ultimately leading to improved performance. Keywords: Non-Financial Motivation, Employee Performance, Hygiene Theory, Correlation Research Design, PLS SEM, Kericho, Kenya.