Motivation
Motivation
One of the most important factors that lead one to their goals is the drive. This drive is known as motivation. The term motivation can be described in many different formats and views, but according to Dr Stephen P. Robbins, this is the process that accounts for an individuals intensity, direction and persistence of effort toward attaining a goal. The term motivation is derived from the Latin word movere, meaning “to move.” Another explanation of motivation is that it is a cognitive decision making process though which goals directed behavior is initiated, energized, directed and maintained (Buczynski&Buchannan, 2007). In different ways motivation can be described as an emotion that allows you to have the ability to get yourself to take action regardless of whether you feel like it or not.
Motivation is the most important determinant for individual performance therefore is the most difficult to analyze and define. One content theory is the theory of needs by Abraham Maslow (1954) which is takes a need as a main factor. This psychologist introduced his concept of a hierarchy of needs in his 1943 paper “A Theory of Human Motivation” and his subsequent book ” Motivation and Personality”. This hierarchy suggests that people are motivated to fulfill basic needs before moving on to other needs. According to content theory, the source of our behavior is an unconscious signal from inside of us. Maslow develops a pyramid of five needs, a layout of five human basic needs. He excludes from his concept, ideas of reward and punishment.. The structure of pyramid is as follows:
Biological needs such as hunger, thirst, sleep. These can be satisfied by the employer by proper work conditions such as temperature, light, breaks and adequate salary.
Safety needs like protection, peace and order can be satisfied according to employees, by secure employment, employee pension, and insurance.
Social needs like affiliation, acceptation, social contacts and intimate contacts are satisfied be family, friends or occupational contacts. Managers can influence those needs by treating every employee as a part of a team by enabling interaction between workers, limiting overtime hours(more time for family).
Esteem and acceptance needs becomes increasingly important. These include the need for things that reflect on self-esteem, personal worth, social recognition and accomplishment. Good managers can be a source of esteem by giving rewards: awards for one person in a team, or for whole teams.
Self-actualization are needs to constant develop our selves. This the highest level of Maslows hierarchy of needs. Self-actualization people are self-aware, concerned with personal growth, less concerned with opinions of others and interested fulfilling their potential.