Motivation Theory – How Motivation Theories Helps Us Become
Successful in Life
The very meaning of the word motivation means “to move”. Defined
as the internal factor that induces behavior and gives a new
direction, motivation is integral to everyone’s life. Motivation
theory described the various processes that talk about the reasons
(why, how, what etc) that affect an induce behavior patterns in
all of us to feel motivated to do something.
Considered as one of the most important areas of study in the
organizational behavior field, motivation theory has two distinct
categories – content theories and process theories. Despite the
fact that there are several motivation theories espoused by many
psychologists, not one of them is accepted universally.
Some of the pioneers in content theory of motivation, which
focuses on the internal factors that channelize human behavior,
include Abraham Maslow, Alderfer, Herzeberg, and McClelland.
Motivation theory such as the very famous Hierarchy of Needs by
Maslow, the ERG theory by Alderfer, motivator-hygiene theory by
Herzeberg also known as the dual factors theory by Herzeberg, and
learned needs or three-needs theory by McClelland are some of the
major content theories.
Of the above mentioned motivation theories, the content theory by
Maslow on the hierarchy of human needs is perhaps the most known
and popular. It talks about five levels of basic needs, which are
categorized as physiological needs, safety and security needs,
self esteem needs, love needs, and needs for self actualization.
Similar to the hierarchy of needs by Maslow, is the ERG theory
that explains the existence, relatedness and growth needs in human
beings. While the dual factors theory of Herzeberg talks about
specific factors at the workplace that can help in job
satisfaction. On the other hand, the Thematic Aptitude Test (TAT),
a projective technique as part of the learned needs motivation
theory by McClelland, tries to evaluate people and their aptitude
based on the three main needs that are: power, affiliation, and
achievement. It would be safe to conclude that McClelland’s
motivation theory results indicate that people who have a higher
need of power take action in ways that tend to influence the
behavior of other people and those around them.
A motivation theory attempts to decode the reasons that motivate
people to do different tasks and become successful in them. While
different people have different thinking behaviors, the immediate
environment, the background of the person and other factors are
the key reasons. Perhaps that’s why Maslow’s motivation theory
states that a man’s behavior is controlled and affected by the
internal as well as the external factors. This also means that man
has the significant ability to make choices in his life and
exercise his free-will.
Theories such as Adam’s equity theory, Vroom’s expectancy theory,
goal-setting motivation theory, and reinforcement motivation
theory etc suggest that when people need something or desire
something, they are motivated to achieve it. If you want something
really bad, your desire and your need should be motivation enough
for you to achieve it!
Any motivation theory can be applied to a cross-section of people
and businesses. The underlying principle of every theory is that
human beings require their needs to be met. When these needs are
met, a certain balance is achieved and the person starts to
respond favorably to his immediate environment and the results are
more than satisfactory.
Darren
Williger
http://www.beemotivated.com |
