The moderating role of generational cohort on the effects of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation on the performance of non-academic staff in open distance learning institutions in Zimbabwe

Organizations today employ workers from different generations but little research has been conducted on the moderating role of generational cohorts on the effects of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. Furthermore, non-academic staff have received little attention in terms of their motivation. Hence, this research contributes to knowledge on the moderating role of generational cohort on the effects of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, using a sample of 216 non-academic staff from five open distance learning institutions in Zimbabwe, belonging to Generations X, Y, and Z. Data collection took place between 20 March 2025 and 19 April 2025. The research tested five hypotheses. The study shows that generational cohort moderates the effects of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. The study recommends using appropriate motivation strategies for each generational cohort.