Organizational purpose and employee motivation: an fsQCA analysis

Purpose Organizational Purpose (OP) has become increasingly important in the organizational context. This research focuses on how OP can contribute to employee motivation, using personal and institutional OP factors and considering the importance of employee motivation toward organizational success. Design/methodology/approach To conduct the research, we selected a branch of a leading multinational company in the chemical sector. Based on data collected through a questionnaire sent out to employees and using fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), we identified combinations of individual and institutional OP factors leading to high (or low) employee motivation. Findings The results reveal that individual and institutional OP factors synergistically promote high employee motivation. The employees' contribution to the OP and the integrity of the organization’s leadership are two key motivating factors. Practical implications Organizations struggle to develop sustainable competitive advantages in an ever-competitive environment. Focusing on the “why” instead of the “how” may help organizations differentiate and achieve higher employee motivation. This research clarifies how to turn purpose into an asset to improve employee motivation. Originality/value The conclusions highlight the need to share the OP through leadership actions and the importance of helping workers recognize the OP and its values, integrate them into their actions and feel how they contribute to its achievement.