An Appraisal of Motivation Principles in Shipping Companies

Ship managers have a number of challenges to face and successfully managing their people is certainly not the least of these challenges. The present paper will engage in a critical appraisal of motivation principles that can be applied in shipping firms. Within this context a case study involving shore-based staff in a shipping firm based in Taiwan is undertaken and the results of the analysis of primary data collected are discussed. The main findings of the study show that six motivating factors were found to be particularly important for shore-based shipping personnel, namely opportunity to learn new skills, receive higher pay, friendly working atmosphere, cash bonuses, personal growth and development and chance for promotion.