Human Motivation

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Human Motivation Most of us get up in the morning, go to school, university or work, and behave in ways that are predictably our own. We respond to our environment and the people in it with little thought about why we work hard, enjoy certain classes or find some recreational activities so much fun. Yet all these types of behaviour are motivated by something. Motivation refers to the forces either within or external to a person that arouse enthusiasm and persistence to pursue a certain course of action. Employee motivation affects productivity, and part of a manager’s job is to channel motivation towards the accomplishment of organizational goals. [IMAGE] A simple model of human motivation is shown as above. People have basic needs – such as need for food, achievement or monetary gain – which translate into an internal tension that motivates specific behaviour with which to fulfill the need. To the extent that the behaviour is successful, the person is rewarded in the sense that the need is satisfied. The reward also inform the person that the behaviour was appropriate and can be used again in the future. Authorities distinguish between two types of reward: “Intrinsic rewards derive form the process of performing a particular function. Accomplishing a complex task, overcoming a serious problem or resolving a difficulty being feelings of satisfaction. They arise from pleasing oneself. Extrinsic rewards are provided by someone else. They include increases in pay and responsibility. They stem, therefore, from pleasing someone else. Although frequently provided by a manager, colleagues can also offer e... ... middle of paper ... ... people are motivate to meet a range of needs. Process Theories examine the way people go about selecting rewards with which to meet needs. The application of motivation ideas is illustrated in job design and other motivational programs. Managers can change the structure of work to meet employee’s high-level needs. In all of these, the person’s perception is central. How they are meaning to the results of their work is the key to explaining their motivation. Reinforcement Theory takes this a little further, adding in the notion of learning. --------------------------------------------------------------------- [1] John Naylor. “Leadership and Motivation” in Management. Financial Time Pitman Publishing. Pp539 [2]Samuel C. Certo. “Motivation” in Modern Management. Prentice Hall, Eight Edition. Pp359

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