Background. The lack of extensive research with regard to personnel management of local government units (LGUs) prompted the authors to undertake analyses, the purpose of which was to give the voice to the respondents, according to the assumptions of the constructivist paradigm.
Research aims. The purpose of the study was to identify the main management problems from the perspective of LGU employees.
Methodology. The basis of the conducted analyses were the essays of LGU employees concerning the management problems they noticed at their workplaces. The qualitative methodology has been used (the content analysis combined with the elements of grounded theory).
Key findings. The motivation system model applied in LGUs was reconstructed, from the perspective of the respondents, and factors were distinguished, which – in the opinion of the employees – cause the functioning system as not motivating in the intended scope. On the basis of a comparison of the existing legal regulations and the respondents’ narratives, a list of recommendations was prepared, with regard to design and functioning of the employee motivation systems at LGUs.
