Asian Journal of Social Sciences and Management Studies

This study examined the effect of reward systems on workers' performance at the University of Abuja. It utilized descriptive and inferential statistics on a sample of 337 workers’ derived from 2145 workers through the random sampling technique. The results showed that employees are contented with the recognition accorded to them for executing good works, supervisors are open to assist or direct employees, supervisors encourage the ideas of employees’ and their styles of accomplishing things, supervisors’ expectations from employees in terms of job done are unclear to them and promotions and pay increases depend on the attainment of known performance goals exerted a positive effect on workers’ performance. However, this university does not automatically reward good performance, exceptional incentives and rewards are provided by management to all employees and the process of performance appraisal is connected to the reward system had a negative impact on workers' performance. The study recommends that the University of Abuja management should ensure that rewards are based on merit and matched with performance to inspire workers to perform optimally. In addition, reward management practices on rewards for good performance, promotions going to people that deserve them and celebration of excellent service should be reviewed and strengthened.