Motivational management: economic and legal aspects

Introduction. This paper explores the economic and legal aspects of motivational management in the higher education sector. The issue of efficient motivation systems for academic and teaching staff is becoming increasingly relevant, especially amid global competition for scientific talent and brain drain from developing countries. The purpose of the paper is to analyze and compare material and non-material motivation mechanisms for academic staff in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Ukraine and selected European Union countries. It also aims to highlight legal instruments that support employee motivation in the academic sphere and identify practical strategies to improve the motivation framework within Ukrainian HEIs. Results. The paper reveals a substantial gap between average monthly salaries of academic staff in Ukraine and those in EU countries, such as Poland and Lithuania, which leads to demotivation and brain drain. Non-material incentives in EU HEIs are more diverse and better institutionalized, including research grants, professional development, and academic freedom. The Ukrainian legal framework on labor and education (Labour Code, Laws "On Labour Remuneration", "On Higher Education") provides basic guarantees, but lacks practical tools for effective motivational policy implementation. The paper also outlines the role of trade unions and collective agreements in safeguarding motivational rights and proposes a more structured approach to developing internal HEI motivation programs. Conclusion. The research concludes that enhancing motivational management in Ukraine’s higher education requires systemic reforms in labor legislation, increased public financing of science and education, and strategic alignment with EU motivational standards. A combination of legislative reinforcement, fair compensation, and institutional autonomy is key to strengthening human capital in academia.