The Impact of Reward Systems on Employees’ Behaviour: An Ethnographic Study in ‘Ghana Revenue Authority’

The current study examines employees’ perspectives on reward systems in a governmental organisation called Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). The analysis draws on the findings collected an ethnographic study, which included interviews, observation and document reviews. Results showed that income is mostly seen as a motivator, not a reward, and that participants prefer individual wage systems over group-based salary payments. The study suggests that individual wage systems are more effective in alleviating negative emotions, such as envy and backbiting. The study identified themes that add to the understanding of reward systems, including their influence on employee conduct, their impact on employer-employee relationships, as well as financial and non-financial benefits.