Staff motivation in local self-government
The article is devoted to topical issues of motivation of local government officials. The study of motivation is carried out in the context of reflecting the processes that have taken in the field as a result of decentralization reform. They are associated with a change in approaches to governance, the shift of the traditional vector of relations with public authorities, awareness of the independent role of local self-government, expanding the range of powers aimed at community development. The study analyzes the main trends and challenges in increasing the motivation of officials, encouraging them to effectively perform their duties. Motivation is seen as the process of involving staff in activities to achieve the goals of the organization (in this case – village, town, city councils, their executive bodies). It determines the intensification of professional activity of officials, stimulates the implementation of tasks. It is noted that modern heads of local governments do not pay due attention to issues of motivation, encouragement of employees, identifying their needs. Practical examples of evaluation by both managers and subordinates of their motivation to work are given. Motivational factors of officials, including material, spiritual, social, industrial and household, etc. are analyzed. The connection of motivation with human needs and actions is investigated. It is emphasized that the needs of higher levels do not motivate the official until the needs of the lower level are at least partially met. The analysis of the Ukrainian legislation and normative-legal acts of local self-government bodies concerning the regulation of the sphere of motivation and incentives of officials is given. The directions and means which can be applied in modern conditions for increase of motivation of local government officials are shown.