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Motivation Dissertation
Motives = ‘are the internal drives and energies of an individual. ... ’ (Rosenfeld & Wilson: Managing organizations, 1999, 2nd Edition)
‘We clearly need to continue our attempts to devise more adequate models of what people want from work…’ (Warr, 1974 ‘Theories of Motivation’)
Peter Warr believes that the major features of motivation are pretty obvious, but what people have ‘not yet done is find a way to put all the well-known features together within an acceptable theoretical structure.’ (Warr, 1974 ‘Theories of Motivation’)
What is motivation;-
What is a motive? Basic definition ‘the cause of behaviour’ (Cofer, 1972) ‘factors that incite and direct an individual’s action’ (Atkinson, 1964)
Generally accepted even if authors vary definition used that ‘motives are determinants of behaviour’ (Warr, 1974 ‘Theories of Motivation’)
When we talk about motivation we should look at ‘specific actions and a persons reasons for these actions’. (Warr, 1974 ‘Theories of Motivation’)
These 8 ‘reasons for action’ have been around for a long time and are key to any motivation theory, as identified by Peter Warr.
They are:
- Intrinsic desirability of an immediate outcome
- Intrinsic desirability of consequential outcomes
- Social comparisons
- Social pressures
- Trends in aspiration level
- Perceived probability of attainment
- Habits
- Other wants and actions
Intrinsic desirability of an immediate outcome:- All motivation theories must take into account that desiring a certain outcomes motivates people to act in a way most appropriate to achieving some required outcome. ... ’ (Warr, 1974 ‘Theories of Motivation’) What Warr is suggesting is that people often need gratification from others before they believe an outcome is beneficial we seek reassurance from others. ... ’ (Warr, 1974 ‘Theories of Motivation’) People are influenced by what other individuals think and believe. ... ’ (Warr, 1974 ‘Theories of Motivation’) Levels of motivations are affected by the probability of achieving what you want, and receiving the reward. ... ’ (Warr, 1974 ‘Theories of Motivation’) It has been shown that if people are rewarded constantly, the value attached to obtaining the reward depreciates, so the rewards usefulness at promoting good work is exhausted. ... ’ (Warr, 1974 ‘Theories of Motivation’) We like normality and routine and diversion from this may cause anxiety and concern. ... ’ (Warr, 1974 ‘Theories of Motivation’) By following routines people may miss out on achieving new rewards but by following habits they can anticipate the reward received. ...
Other wants and actions:- People reasons for actions are ‘influenced by other motivational systems’ (Warr, 1974 ‘Theories of Motivation’) Peoples choice of priorities are affected by conflict and the time span given to complete tasks. In the short term, choices may be made with greater emphasis on social and time pressures, long-term ‘fundamental hierarchy of priorities’ (Warr, 1974 ‘Theories of Motivation’) becomes more important. ...
Peter Warr in his article titled ‘Theories of Motivation’ identified seven different groupings for motivation theories. He found this to be a ‘difficult task’ (Warr, 1974 ‘Theories of Motivation’) and he chose not to include some ‘up-and-coming’ (Warr, 1974 ‘Theories of Motivation’) theories. Peter Warr also chose to omit motivational theories ‘based entirely upon animal or physiological foundations’ (Warr, 1974 ‘Theories of Motivation’) with some reluctance he also omitted ‘theories which deal mainly with unconscious motives.’ (Warr, 1974 ‘Theories of Motivation’) The reason why Peter Warr omitted these ‘unconscious motives’ (Warr, 1974 ‘Theories of Motivation’) theories was because he believed that ‘All motives are unconscious in the sense that they are latent for long periods, but those which are allegedly unavailable to consciousness present particular problems (Warr, 1974 ‘Theories of Motivation’), they would be to hard to comprehend. ... Content theories
2. Hierarchical theories
3. Aspiration level theories
4. Equity theories
5. Achievement motivation theories
6. Instrumentality theories
7. Attitude theories
Warr suggests these seven groupings in his article that was published and presented to a conference in York in 1974. ...
From extensive research on the Internet and in libraries I have found that motivational theories are presently grouped under two headings, Process and Contents theories. For research purposes I will be grouping motivational theories under the current two types.
Content theories:-
‘ a number of more of less identical theories that attempt to explain which forces motivate human behaviour i. ... theories that primarily try to identify the internal forces, needs or urges that are believed to control human behaviour. ... 57-110)
‘Theories of work motivation are largely grounded in the field of psychology. ... 1
Content theories allow a connection to be formed between ‘individuals needs and work rewards’ (Rosenfeld & Wilson: Managing organizations, 1999, 2nd Edition), this allows rewards to be selected to maximise performance levels. Content theories look at the value people place on achieving certain rewards, so mangers and employers can use this to pick the most appropriate remuneration. Content theorists such as Maslow and McClelland make two essential assumptions about the relationship between individual’s satisfaction and their motivation levels. ... 1 demonstrates the key features that are applicable for the content theories.
Approximate Word count = 4012
Approximate Pages = 16
(250 words per page double spaced)
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