MOTIVATING PEOPLE AT WORK

Motivating People at Work

Motivating People at Work

Introduction

The main purpose of this paper is to describe the motivation theories and make an analysis on the issue that what motivates people at work. Motivation is a concept that many have attempted to explain throughout history. Motivation can be defined as a driving force that initiates and directs behavior. This concept, for many, is crucial to understand because motivation relates to understanding the reasons why people do what they do. There has been a great deal of interest in this construct in diverse areas such as coaching, teaching, and business; it has also been studied extensively within the field of psychology. While there are a number of theories that put forth to explain motivation, there are a few major theories and aspects of changing the performance environment and climate that can serve to enhance performance. Many theories of motivation have credited human nature with influencing motivation to the greatest degree. Early theories, like instinct theory, suggest that motivation is human nature influenced by biological needs or instinct. More recent theories have suggested that people have more control over their motivation and that motivation can be shaped by the interactions people have with their environments.

Discussion

Motivation is the driving force behind every action. Human beings perform various tasks, but there is a driving force behind every task they perform. They should be motivated in order to perform their task in the best conceivable manner. Motivation plays a prominent role in outstanding performance. This performance can be in academics, work, house etc. All performances, whether small or big, require motivation and once an individual gains motivation he or she can perform the task in a remarkable manner (Strickler, 2006, p. 26). Managers should make sure that their employees have enough motivation to perform the task at its highest level. Motivating each and every employee of the organization are very difficult task. The motivation level of employees is quite low in every organization, and it is the duty of management to bring it to a higher level. This is why productivity at organizations is low. In order to increase productivity and to keep employees happy, the management should introduce extrinsic motivation. They should incorporate additional benefits in the compensation package and should also bring recognition programs in the organization (Raymond, 2008, p. 12).

Motivation Theories

Following are some motivation theories that can help in understanding the motivation factors at work.

Maslow Theory

One of the most studied but least understood theories of motivation is Maslow's Hierarch Theory of Needs. Although frequently oversimplified and often misunderstood, Maslow created what is perhaps one of the most recognized, classic explanations of motivation with his hierarchy of needs. This hierarchy set like a pyramid as each level builds on the preceding level(s), so once one need is fulfilled other needs come into play. The model does not say that the needs disappear completely or go away as some who explain the model believe. The needs operate so that they never get satisfaction ...