THEORIES OF MOTIVATION.

 

MOTIVATION.

What is motivation?

Motivation is defined as ‘internal and external factors that stimulate desire and energy in people to be continually interested and committed to a job, role or subject, or to make an effort to attain a goal.’

It is the force that initiates, guides and maintains goal-oriented behaviors. It is what causes us to take action.

Motivation results from the interaction of both conscious and unconscious factors such as the 

⦁ Intensity of desire or ⦁ need,

I⦁ ncentive or ⦁ reward ⦁ value of the goal, and

E⦁ xpectations of the ⦁ individual. 

THEORIES OF MOTIVATION.

There are a number of theories of motivation by different proponents. Here we will consider five theories of motivation. These are not exhaustive. As you read through other materials you will discover many more. 

Instinct Theory of Motivation

According to the instinct theory, people are motivated to behave in certain ways because they are evolutionarily programmed to do so. An example of this in the animal world is seasonal migration. These animals do not learn to do this; it is instead an inborn pattern of behavior.

Incentive Theory of Motivation

The incentive theory suggests that people are motivated to do things because of external rewards. For example, you might be motivated to go to work each day for the monetary reward of being paid. 

Drive Theory of Motivation

According to the drive theory of motivation, people are motivated to take certain actions in order to reduce the internal tension that is caused by unmet needs. 

For example, you might be motivated to drink a glass of water in order to reduce the internal state of thirst. 

This theory is useful in explaining behaviors that have a strong biological component, such as hunger or thirst. 

Arousal Theory of Motivation

The arousal theory of motivation suggests that people take certain actions to either decrease or increase levels of arousal. 

When arousal levels get too low, for example, a person might watch and exciting movie or go for a jog. When arousal levels get too high, on the other hand, a person would probably look for ways to relax such as meditating or reading a book. 

According to this theory, we are motivated to maintain an optimal level of arousal, although this level can vary based on the individual or the situation.

Humanistic Theory of Motivation

Humanistic theories of motivation are based on the idea that people also have strong cognitive reasons to perform various actions. This is famously illustrated in Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which presents different motivations at different levels. 

First, people are motivated to fulfill basic biological needs for food and shelter, as well as those of safety, love and esteem. Once the lower level needs have been met, the primary motivator becomes the need for self-actualization, or the desire to fulfill one's individual potential.