Work Motivation Flashcards
Define motivation
Psychological processes that direct, energize, and maintain action toward a job, task, role, or project
2 theories on motivations
- Content theories
- Process theories
Explain content theories
Early theories documenting the various innate human needs that drive behavior / becoming old
Explain process theories
further examines our cognitive processes and their interaction with the situation to explain motivated behaviors
2 theories under process theories
- Endogenous process theories
- Exogeneous cause theories
Explain endogenous process theories
Focuses on cognitions within the individual that affect work motivations
Explain exogenous cause theories
Focuses on contextual influences that can affect work motivation
Other theories under endogenous theories
- Equity theory
- Expectancy theory
- Self-determination theory
Other theories under exogenous cause theories
- Self-determination theory
- Job characteristic model
- Goal-setting theory
Difference between equality and equity
Equality:
Treating everyone the same way
Equity:
Giving everyone what they need or deserve
2 different types of equity theories
- Negative inequity
-> Receiving a smaller outcome-input ratio compared to the others
-> More significant motivator - Positive inequity
-> Receiving a greater outcome-input ratio compared to others
What key aspects do people compare?
- Input
- Output
Examples of inputs
- Skills and abilities
- Effort expended
- Creativity
- Seniority
- Personal appearances
Examples of outputs
- Compensation and benefits
- Promotions
- Awards, status symbols
- Job security
- Challenging assignments
- Decision-making
How does inequity motivate behavior?
- People modify their behaviors
-> Reduced inputs
-> Maximize outcomes - People modify their cognitions
-> Distort perceptions
-> Change comparison targets