What fuels their passion? Exploring work motivation among physical education lecturers in Vietnam

Abstract

This study examines the key factors influencing work motivation among physical education lecturers at universities in Ho Chi Minh City, drawing on Hackman and Oldham’s Job Characteristics Model (1980) and organizational justice theory. While previous research has largely focused on core job characteristics such as task significance, autonomy, and feedback, this study broadens the perspective by considering multiple dimensions of perceived fairness within the academic environment. Using a structured quantitative approach, data were collected via self-administered questionnaires distributed to physical education lecturers across multiple higher education institutions. The analysis reveals that perceived fairness significantly influences motivation beyond the traditional job characteristics model. Specifically, lecturers’ perceptions of justice from direct supervisors, fair treatment by students, and distributive justice regarding income and rewards play a pivotal role. Furthermore, the study identifies significant variations in work motivation based on gender and levels of professional seniority. These insights contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of motivational dynamics within higher education, particularly in the context of physical education instruction.