From motivation to employee performance: An integrated behavioral model for hotel employees in Vietnam

Abstract

This study develops and empirically tests an integrated behavioral model to examine how motivational factors influence employee performance through proactive behaviors in Vietnam’s tourism sector. Drawing upon Herzberg’s two-factor theory, self-determination theory, and the Ability Motivation Opportunity framework (AMO), the research investigates the effects of motivator factors, hygiene factors, and intrinsic career satisfaction on work motivation and how this motivation subsequently drives green behavior and innovative work behavior, ultimately enhancing employee performance. Data were collected from 420 frontline employees in 03 - 05 star hotels and resorts across major tourist destinations in Vietnam. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using SmartPLS was employed to test the hypothesized relationships. The results indicate that work motivation significantly mediates the relationship between organizational factors and employee performance. Notably, while innovative behavior has a positive effect on performance, green behavior shows an adverse direct effect, suggesting trade-offs in resource-constrained environments. The findings offer both theoretical insights and practical implications for human resource management and sustainability strategies in the tourism industry. They also highlight the importance of aligning motivational drivers with desired behavioral outcomes to build a resilient and high-performing workforce in transitional economies.