Winds Beneath the Wings: The Hidden Engine of Motivation and Performance at Gambia’s Civil Aviation Authority

This study examined motivation and employee performance at the Gambia Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). It identifies key motivational factors, their impact on performance, and the challenges involved. These were done to examine the relationship between motivation and employee performance at GCAA. Both primary and secondary data were used in the study. Primary data were questionnaires and interviews. The data were analysed using quantitative and qualitative methods. The study population was 752, with a sample size of 255. The study used a proportionate-to-size technique to administer the questionnaires. Additionally, purposeful sampling was used to select the interviewees for this study. Using a survey research design, the study integrates quantitative data, highlighted by a strong positive Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.851 between motivation and performance, with qualitative insights from employee experiences. The findings reveal that motivational strategies such as recognition, professional development, trust, and autonomy significantly enhance employee focus, creativity, efficiency, and teamwork. Grounded in Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory, the study confirms that intrinsic motivators are central to driving high performance, while poor management practices act as demotivators. Moreover, leadership transparency, inclusive decision-making, and purpose-driven work emerged as essential components of a motivating workplace culture. Despite institutional challenges like high workloads, limited resources, and perceived favouritism, employees often display resilience through self-initiated strategies. It is concluded that motivation is both a catalyst and a cornerstone for employee performance at GCAA