Motivation I Flashcards
Define motivation
The extent to which persistent effort is directed toward a goal
What are the four basic characteristics of motivation?
- Effort extended
- Direction - the appropriate task
- Persistence - over time
- Toward appropriate goals
What are the two different forms of motivation theories?
- Content theories
2. Process theories
Describe content theories of motivation
They focus on the needs that must be met in order to motivate individuals (WHAT motivates)
What are some examples of content theories?
Self-determination theory, Maslow’s theory, Alderfer’s ERG theory
Describe process theories of motivation
They focus on the underlying processes involved in motivating employees (HOW motivation occurs)
What are some examples of process theories?
Goal-setting theory, Expectancy theory
What is intrinsic motivation?
Stems from the direct relationship between the work and the task
How is intrinsic motivation applied?
It is usually self-applied
What are the characteristics of intrinsic motivation?
Strong and stable impacts
What is extrinsic motivation?
Stems from the work environment external to the task; leads to more effort and more persistence
How is extrinsic motivation applied?
It is usually applied by others
What are the characteristics of extrinsic motivation?
Only works in certain situations, and is not long lasting
Define self-determination theory
A theory of motivation that considers whether people’s motivation is autonomous or controlled
Define autonomous motivation
Occurs when people are self-motivated by intrinsic factors
Define controlled motivation
Occurs when people are motivated to obtain a desired consequence or extrinsic reward
Define Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
A theory that breaks motivation down into five categories; the lowest unmet level of needs has the most motivating potential, and the higher-level needs will not motivate unless the lower level has been met. Needs that have been met will no longer motivate
What are the three over-arching types of needs according to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?
- Basic needs
- Psychological needs
- Self-fulfillment needs
What are the two types of basic needs?
- Physiological needs
2. Safety needs
Give some examples of physiological needs
Food, water, warmth, rest
Give some examples of safety needs
Shelter, security
What are the two types of psychological needs according to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?
- Social belonging
2. Esteem needs
Give some examples of social belonging needs
Relationships, social status, friendship
Give some examples of esteem needs
Feelings of accomplishment, pride, self-esteem
What is the one type of self-fulfillment need according to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?
Self-actualization
Give some examples of self actualization needs
Achieving potential, meaning, creativity/art, helping others
What are the problems with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?
Not everyone is like this; the “starving artist,” or the lonely CEO
Define Alderfer’s ERG theory
A theory that breaks motivation down into three categories. The more lower-level needs are gratified, the more higher-level need satisfaction is desired
What are the three categories of motivation according to Alderfer’s ERG theory?
- Existence
- Relatedness
- Growth
How does the Existence category of Alderfer’s ERG theory correspond to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?
Corresponds to Maslow’s Basic needs
How does the Relatedness category of Alderfer’s ERG theory correspond to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?
Corresponds to Maslow’s Psychological needs
How does the Growth category of Alderfer’s ERG theory correspond to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?
Corresponds to Maslow’s Self-actualization needs
Give some examples of the Existence category
Food, water, security, pay-check, benefits
Give some examples of the Relatedness category
Quality social experience at work, open communication, fitting in
Give some examples of the Growth category
Fulfilling, intrinsically motivating jobs; generativity, helping others
What are the implications of ERG?
Employers need to appreciate diversity of the needs of individual employees and offer incentives or goals that correspond to them, as well as appreciate the motivational potential of intrinsic motivators and the existence of higher-order needs
Define expectancy theory
A process theory that states that motivation is determined by the outcomes that people expect to occur as a result of their actions on the job
What are the three aspects of expectancy theory?
- Effort
- Performance
- Outcomes
Define outcome
Consequences that follow work behaviour
Define instrumentality
The probability that a particular first-level outcome will be followed by a particular second-level outcome
Define valence
The expected value of work outcomes; the extent to which they are attractive or unattractive
Define expenctance
The probability that a particular first-level outcome can be achieved
What is effort affected by?
Expectancy: If I exert a lot of effort, will I perform well?
What is performance affected by?
Instrumentality: If I perform well, will I receive outcomes?
What are outcomes affected by?
Valence: Will the outcomes be satisfying?
How can you boost expectancies?
Increase self-efficacy
Give some examples of how you can improve self-efficacy
- Provide proper equipment
- Training and mentoring
- Developing correct work procedures
- Listening to employee problems and providing feedback
How can you boost instrumentality?
Clarify reward contingencies
Give an example of how you can clarify reward contingencies
Fair rewarding system
How can you boost valence of outcomes?
Design or rewards
Give an example how you can design rewards to boost valence of outcomes
Appreciate diversity of needs: be aware of value differences
Define Goal Setting Theory
A process theory that suggests different ways to improve the situation by changing how managers communicate their goals to their employees
In what four ways to goals affect behaviours?
- Direct attention to a particular task
- Facilitate strategy development
- Mobilize on-task effort
- Encourage task persistence
When are goals motivational?
- They are specific
- They are challenging
- Organizational members are accepting them and committed to them
- Feedback about progress toward goal attainment is provided
Describe ideal feedback in a motivational goal context
- Be specific, accurate, credible, and timely
2. Enables individuals to assess progress toward goals and adjust
