Staff Motivation and Organisational Commitment Among Colleges of Education in the Volta Region of Ghana: Assessing the Moderating Role of Staff Tenure

Purpose: This study investigates the relationship between staff motivation and organisational commitment among staff in Colleges of Education in Ghana’s Volta Region, with particular focus on the moderating influence of staff tenure within their institutions. Drawing on self‑determination theory, social exchange theory, and the career stage perspective, the study proposes that motivated employees are more likely to exhibit stronger commitment to their organisations. It further posits that the strength of this relationship may vary with the length of time employees have served at their colleges. Methodology: Data were collected from teaching and administrative personnel across five public Colleges of Education using a structured questionnaire. The hypothesised relationships were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Findings: The results indicate that employee motivation has a significant positive effect on staff commitment. However, tenure with the institution does not significantly moderate the relationship between motivation and commitment. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The findings contribute to the growing body of literature on staff motivation and organisational commitment within Ghana’s higher education sector and offer insights for institutional leadership, policy formulation, and future research directions.