Listening Differently: Decolonizing Work Motivation in the Global South through Phenomenographic Inquiry

This study explores how municipal corporation employees in Bangladesh conceptualise work motivation, addressing the limited attention given to lived experiences in Global South settings. Using a phenomenographic approach, 22 interviews were analysed to identify six qualitatively distinct conceptions of motivation: long-term employment tendency shaped by contextual exposure; respectful job status; social contribution through fulfilling responsibilities; physical working conditions; identity recognition through professional achievement; and career advancement through task variety. The findings demonstrate that motivation is shaped not only by individual and workplace factors but also by shared social, cultural, and historical orientations that evolve over time. Drawing on phenomenography, the study advances motivation theory by introducing the concepts of extended self and holistic thinking patterns. By grounding its analysis in local realities, the study also contributes to the decolonisation of organisational knowledge, challenging universalist models and foregrounding perspectives from the Global South. The study offers practical insights and highlights the significance of developing context-sensitive human resource policies that reflect local realities.