REWARDING WORK OR WORKING FOR REWARD? - A qualitative case study about total rewards and work motivation among white-collar workers in Sweden

Abstract

Purpose: This thesis aims to study how the different elements of total rewards system (TRS) correspond with white-collar workers’ motivation in Sweden and how the identified total reward factors correspond to different types of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Theory: This study uses the theoretical framework of TRS, which provides an overview of the various financial and non-financial rewards that the employees are provided and promised with by the employer. The self-determination theory (SDT) enables further analysis with its apt way of looking at how individuals are motivated by intrinsic and various types of extrinsic motivational factors. Method: This study is based on qualitative research. The empirical data originates from 14 semistructured interviews with employees from a case company. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcribed data was coded based on three major themes inspired by the total rewards model of: compensation & benefits, work experience and culture and environment. Result: The aspects beyond the original research question emerging from the findings were transparency about individual development and professional training opportunities. Autonomy and competence in relation to work itself had a significant impact upon participants’ motivation. Several factors of work experience as well as culture and environment were experienced as extrinsically motivating. Compensation and benefits were experienced to a great extent as hygiene factors.