2.4 Motivation

A crucial role of leaders and managers is to motivate their workforce to ensure they are productive and creative. Motivation influences individuals to behave in a certain way and, combined with individual skill and ability, results in performance. Motivation helps people:

  • achieve their goals

  • gain a positive perspective on their private and working lives

  • create the power to change

  • manage their own development

  • build positive self-esteem

Twyla Dell, How to Motivate People (1989)

Motivation can be classified as intrinsic or extrinsic; employees are usually motivated by a combination of both.

Intrinsic motivation comes from within the person. People engage in an activity because they receive satisfaction from it, not because they are rewarded for doing it. Employees may be intrinsically motivated if:

  • the job is challenging and interesting

  • they see the result of their efforts

  • they control the way they work

  • they see their work helps others

Extrinsic motivation comes from outside of the person. Good performance is rewarded with benefits and recognition. Pay and bonuses are examples and may compensate for a lack of satisfaction from the work itself.

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