ADEQUATE MOTIVATION - ANECDOTE TOWARDS BETTER PERFORMANCE AMONG JOURNALISTS IN ABEOKUTA

Abstract

The journalism profession remains one sector of the human society that should not be overlooked.
Journalism plays the all important role of informing members of a society. The Nigerian society, like
any other, has the right to accurate, just and unbiased report of events. Journalists are expected to
carry out this responsibility objectively with adherence to the code of ethics of the profession. How-
ever, there have been allegations of a deviation from the expected roles with one of the major reasons
being the poor conditions of service for many Nigerian journalists. This paper examines the journalism
profession vis-à-vis alleged inadequate motivation. It also investigates the exact factors that will moti-
vate journalists and spur them towards improved performance. The population of the study, that is,
registered journalists in Abeokuta, Nigeria, totalling 403 was sampled using purposive sampling. How-
ever, all registered journalists who work in the print all broadcast media (137 of them) formed the sam-
ple size. Questionnaire was used for data collection and data was analysed using percentages and chi
square. Based on the findings, job security, job prestige, appreciation for job well done, opportunity for
promotion and growth as well as good working conditions rank high among motivating factors to jour-
nalists. Improved salary scale, job security, provision of basic facilities and allowances, regular in-
service training and improved conditions of service will improve performance among journalists most.
The paper concludes with suggested prescriptions to improve journalism performance.