How do Employees and Managers in Private Businesses within the Arab Sector in Israel Perceive the Role of Motivation in Contributing to Organizational Success?"

Abstract

This study investigates the perspectives of employees and managers working for private businesses in Israel's Arab sector with regards to the role of motivation in organizational success. The lack of empirical studies among minority-owned businesses examining motivation from a culturally specific perspective prompted this study to investigate the motivational strategies used, effectiveness, and the ways cultural and structural factors influence employee engagement. The study utilized a qualitative methodology and semi-structured interviews with 50 participants (30 employees and 20 managers) and found that motivation is experienced as a complex, multidimensional experience shaped by a range of emotional, financial, and cultural influences. The study found that key motivators include recognition, respect, promotion, and style of leadership while barriers include a lack of sustainable career mobility and resources. The study concludes that motivation must be approached as both a managerial and cultural practice of engagement. The study recommends inclusive leadership strategies, culturally specific HR policies, and developing long-term motivational practices to reflect the values of Arab society. The study adds to motivation theory in under-researched non-Western contexts and provides practical insights for practice of engaging a culturally diverse workforce in enhancing employee performance, employee retention, and innovation.