ABSTRACT
The purpose of this research was to examine the influence of short-term employment contracts on employee motivation within the Tanzania Port Authority (TPA). Short-term contracts, while offering flexibility, may pose challenges such as job insecurity, limited career advancement, and lower motivation, impacting overall organizational productivity. This study aims to evaluate employees' perceptions of short-term contracts, analyze the effects of these contracts on employee motivation, and identify strategies to enhance staff motivation in this context.
A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving surveys and interviews with TPA employees on short-term contracts. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS, while qualitative insights were gathered and analyzed through NVivo software. Findings reveal that the majority of employees perceive short-term contracts negatively, associating them with job insecurity and limited growth prospects. Additionally, there is a correlation between short-term contracts and reduced motivation, which adversely affects employee productivity.
The study recommends TPA develop strategies to address the negative impacts of short-term contracts by offering more career advancement opportunities, clear communication regarding contract renewal, and motivation-enhancing initiatives. These findings may provide insights for TPA and similar organizations, enabling them to make more informed policy decisions that enhance employee well-being and organizational effectiveness.