Motivation preferences of Hungarian and Slovak employees are significantly different

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to compare the level of employee motivation in Hungary and Slovakia. Using sociological survey through questionnaires, a research was conducted in all regions of Hungary and Slovakia in 2016. Total of 30 motivation factors were divided into 5 groups of motivation factors. We analyzed motivation factors relating to mutual relationships, to career aspiration, to finance, to work conditions and to social needs. Significantly different preferences were observed in 4 of 5 groups of motivation factors preferred by Hungarian and Slovak respondents (motivation factors relating to mutual relationships, to career aspiration, to work conditions and to social needs). Surprisingly, motivation factors relating to mutual relationship were highly preferred by Hungarian respondents. Financial motivation factors were the most important for Slovak employees. Motivation factors relating to social needs were the least important for both groups of respondents. For Hungarian and Slovak employers, we recommend focusing on motivation factors relating to mutual relationships when creating motivation programmes. It will improve relations in the workplace. Simultaneously for Hungarian employers, our suggestion is to focus on motivation factors relating to career aspiration.