Exploring the antecedents of motivation on employee performance in the leather industry in South India

This paper investigates and explores the relationship between individual motivational factors and employees’ performance in the leather industry in South India based on Herzberg’s two-factor theory. The data collection process involves the use of a questionnaire survey from 372 leather industry employees in South India. The findings were validated using confirmatory factor analysis. Structural equation modeling was operated to examine the hypothesized relationship. The study shows that motivational dimensions such as training, welfare, compensation, and job security significantly impact employees’ performances. Workplace environment and fair treatment have no significant effects on employees’ performance. Managers in the South Indian leather sector can use these motivating factors to improve their employees’ performance. As a result, this study is the earliest empirical examination of the direct relationship between motivational factors and performances among the employees of the leather industry in South India after the pandemic.