MOTIVATION
Motivation can be defined as the reason behind one’s behavior or action.
Talking about employee motivation, it can be defined as the factor that
arouses energy and desire in employee to be constantly interested in or
committed to a job, in an attempt to attain to achieve desired result.
Intrinsic motivation: This is when motivation comes from "internal"
factors to meet personal needs. We do things we do because we enjoy
them, not because we have to. Intrinsic means internal or inside of
yourself; when you are intrinsically motivated, you enjoy an interest, a
course of study or skill development solely for the fulfillment of education
and having fun. EMS is a career field that really touches our intrinsic
motivation. We’re not going to retire with mansions or private jets; instead
we get our satisfaction from helping others and being the best part of
their worst day.
Examples include exploring opportunities for personal development for the
satisfaction of being competent in a task, or setting the standards to
become a role model or mentor. Whatever you take on, you do it for
personal accomplishment and gratification.
Extrinsic motivation: This is when motivation comes from
"external" factors that are given or controlled by others. Salary or
praise are good examples. This type of motivation is everywhere
and frequently used within society.
When you are motivated to perform, achieve, learn or do
something based on a highly considered outcome, rather than for
the fun, development or personal fulfillment, you are being
extrinsically motivate
THEORIES OF MOTIVATION
Theorists:
- ABRAHAM MASLOW
- DOUGLAS MC GREGOR
- FREDRICK HERZBERG
McGregor’s theory X and theory Y
Douglas McGregor formulated two distinct views of human being based on participation of workers. The
first is basically negative, labelled as Theory X, and the other is basically positive, labelled as Theory Y.
Both kinds of people exist. Based on their nature they need to be managed accordingly.
● Theory X: The traditional view of the work force holds that workers are inherently lazy, self-centred,
and lacking ambition. Therefore, an appropriate management style is strong, top-down control.
● Theory Y: This view postulates that workers are inherently motivated and eager to accept
responsibility. An appropriate management style is to focus on creating a productive work
environment coupled with positive rewards and reinforcement.
1. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
Abraham Maslow postulated that a person will be motivated when his needs are fulfilled. The need starts
from the lowest level basic needs and keeps moving up as a lower level need is fulfilled. Below is the
hierarchy of needs:
● Physiological: Physical survival necessities such as food, water, and shelter.
● Safety: Protection from threats, deprivation, and other dangers.
● Social (belongingness and love): The need for association, affiliation, friendship, and so on.
● Self-esteem: The need for respect and recognition.
● Self-actualization: The opportunity for personal development, learning, and fun/creative/challenging
work. Self-actualization is the highest level need to which a human being can aspire.
2. Hertzberg’s two factor theory
Hertzberg classified the needs into two broad categories namely hygiene factors and
motivating factors.Hygiene factors are needed to make sure that an employee is not
dissatisfied. Motivation factors are needed for ensuring employee's satisfaction and
employee’s motivation for higher performance. Mere presence of hygiene factors does not
guarantee motivation, and presence of motivation factors in the absence of hygiene
factors also does not work.
