The Influence of Rewards and Recognition on Productivity Levels among Extension Officers in the Ministry of Agriculture in Kenya
| 2013 13
having an effective rewards and recognition program in place tells employees that their contributions are
important and that their efforts are appreciated. It also leads to job satisfaction which works to instil a positive
attitude in the employees, which in turn leads to the employees going the extra mile to serve their employer and
clients better.
This study recommends that the benefits and salaries paid to extension officers in the Ministry of Agriculture be
reviewed to cushion them against the hard economic times occasioned by the global economic challenges
currently being experienced world wide. The Ministry of Agriculture should also consider introducing paid
vacations for its extension officers as a way of motivating them to give their best in their day to day extension
services.
The Ministry of Agriculture should also come up with a policy to reward and recognise hard working employees
to make sure that extension officers feel appreciated for their efforts. It should also ensure equity in the rewards
and recognition process. There should also be a strategy to ensure that the salary and benefits paid to the
officers’ match the role requirements and the officers’ ability to perform. Lastly, the extension officers in charge
of supervision should be trained on human relations, communication skills and general management to ensure
that they have the skills needed to manage an effective work force.
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Interdisciplinary Journal of Research in Business ISSN: 2046-7141 Vol. 2, Issue. 10, (pp.31- 39)