Abstract

This study examines how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped employee motivation and organizational culture in small businesses and explores the role of job characteristics in that process. Using an online survey administered to small business employees and owners, respondents reported their experiences before, during, and after the pandemic across validated measures of motivation, organizational commitment, job satisfaction, goal internalization, turnover intentions, and core job design factors. After data cleaning, 21 responses were analyzed. Results showed statistically significant increases in organizational commitment, job satisfaction, and goal internalization after COVID-19, along with a decrease in turnover intentions. Internal work motivation showed a small, non-statistically significant increase. Job design factors measured during the COVID-19 period received consistently high ratings across task significance, skill variety, autonomy, skill development, work–life balance, and recognition. These findings indicate that respondents experienced positive changes in motivation and cultural alignment following the pandemic and that supportive job characteristics were present during the period of disruption. The study contributes to ongoing research on small business resilience and provides insight into how work environments may shape motivational outcomes during times of uncertainty.

Semester/Year of Award

Fall 12-1-2025

Mentor

Beth Polin

Mentor Department Affiliation

Business

Access Options

Open Access Thesis

Document Type

Bachelor Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelors

Department

Business

IRB Approval Number (if applicable)

6744

Presentation

https://mymaileku-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/r/personal/boone_depenbrock_mymail_eku_edu/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc=%7B0C246406-2D1D-486D-9726-EB337679CBDD%7D&file=Honors%20Thesis%20Presentation.pptx&action=edit&mobileredirect=true

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