Motivation and Process Theories Flashcards
What are the types of motivation theory?
Self determination theory; Locke’s theory of goal setting; management by objectives; Victor Vroom’s expectancy theory; equity theory.
Define PROCESS THEORIES
Process theories focus on how cognitive processes as thought and decisions within the minds of people influence their behaviour. They consider how and why motivation occurs.
Define SELF DETERMINATION THEORY
Self determination theory is the concept of psychological needs. It states there are two types of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic, which shape who we are and how we behave.
Every human being has 3 basic needs:
1. Competence - the need to be effective in dealing with environment
2. Autonomy - the need to control the course of their lives
3. Relatedness - need to have close, affectionate relationships with others.
What are the implications of self determination theory?
For individuals, they must choose their job based on intrinsic rather than extrinsic rewards.
For organisations, they must provide both intrinsic and extrinsic activities.
Define LOCKE’S THEORY OF GOAL SETTING
Locke’s theory of goal setting is the theory that goals tell and employee what needs to be done and how much effort is needed. Evidence suggests that:
- specific goals increase performance
- difficult goals, when accepted, result in higher performance
- feedback leads to higher performance
- managers and employees must set goals together
What other factors influence the goals/performance relationship?
- level of goal commitment
- task characteristics
- national culture - e.g. the difference between Chinese and British workers.
Define MANAGEMENT BY OBJECTIVES
Mnagement by objectives converts overall organisational objectives into specific objectives for work units and then individuals.
Organisational objectives - divisional objectives - departmental objectives - individual objectives.
Define VROOM’S EXPECTANCY THEORY OF MOTIVATION
Victor Vroom’s expectancy theory involves 3 factors of motivation:
- Expectancy - what employees expect from their own efforts and the relation to good performance
- Instrumentality - employee performance will be rewarded if it is good enough to achieve the desired result as they work like a cog within the organisation.
- Valence - the value of the rewards is viewed differently by every employee.
Formula: Expectancy x Instrumentality x Valence = motivational force
What are the implications of Vroom’s expectancy theory of motivation?
It explains why a lot of workers are not motivated and therefore only do the minimum.
Define EQUITY THEORY
Equity theory is a theory that says individuals compare their job inputs and outcomes with those of others and then respond to eliminate any inequities.
The foundation of equity is social comparison. People are motivated to behave in ways that restore or maintain equity in situations.
Define ORGANISATIONAL JUSTICE
Organisational justice is an overall perception of what is fair in the workplace, comprised of distributive, procedural and interactional justice.
Define DISTRIBUTIVE JUSTICE
Distributive justice is perceived fairness of outcomes e.g. i got the pay rise i deserved.
Define PROCEDURAL JUSTICE
Procedural justice is perceived fairness of process used to determine outcome e.g. i had input into the process that determined pay rises and i was given an explanation as to why i received the pay rise that i did.
Define INTERACTIONAL JUSTICE
Interactional justice is perceived degree to which one is treated with dignity and respect e.g. when telling me about my pay rise, my manager was very nice and complimentary.
Define JOB ENGAGEMENT
Job engagement is the investment of an employee’s physical, cognitive and emotional energies into job performance. More engaged employees = more successful organisations.
