The Impact of Religion and Non-Monetary Incentives on Employee Behavior in Iraqi Universities

Abstract

This study investigates the role of religion and non-monetary incentives on employee behavior and performance regarding academic staff in Iraqi universities. This study examines the mediating roles of intrinsic motivation, organizational commitment and meaningful work in the relationship between independent variable and dependent variable. A quantitative research design was used, with data collected from a total of 248 academic staff in public and private universities around Iraq. To obtain enough valid questionnaires and to control data quality, both face-to-face and online survey methods were performed. Smart PLS software was used to analyze the proposed conceptual framework through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). In conclusion, it is anticipated show that the results will positively affect religion and non-financial incentives have a beneficial impact on employee behavior and organizational performance with or without mediation of intrinsic motivation, organizational commitment, and meaningful work. This study provides empirical evidence for the organizational behavior and higher education literature in Iraq, which is situated in a context where religious values and non-monetary motivators are prevalent. Therefore, the findings will help university administrators to provide effective practices that provide motivation and organization performance through non-monetary management practices by value-based approaches.