While a manager can create an environment and conditions that enable motivation, the phenomenon is about an arousal state. It requires the employee to make connections between goals and the feelings aroused when these are reached or not. As needs differ, a ‘no one size’ approach will lead to increased motivation on all occasions. Instead, a manager needs to know their employees and what interests and drives them. The saying ‘One person’s medicine is another’s poison’ has never been more accurate when it comes to motivation. Extrinsic motivators can work for a short period but intrinsic motivators are likely to be held deep in a person’s psychology, and these theories can at best provide a basis of understanding rather than a concrete means to motivating all employees at all times.
Reflection question
Can you think of something that highly motivates you but is unlikely to motivate someone you know? Consider if this is an intrinsic motivation or, if it is extrinsic, how it links to some form of intrinsic motivation.