Define motivation and articulate different views of how individuals are motivated at work.

EXAMPLE: Motivation is the process of arousing and sustaining goal-directed behavior. Motivation theories attempt to explain and predict observable behavior. They may be broadly classified into internal, process, and external theories. Internal theories of motivation give primary consideration to variables within the individual that lead to motivation and behavior. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a good example of an internal theory. Process theories of motivation, such as expectancy theory, emphasize the nature of the interaction between the individual and the environment. External theories of motivation focus on the elements in the environment, including the consequences of behavior, as the basis for understanding and explaining people’s behavior at work. A review of motivation related to work over the past century categorized the theories, findings, and advancements according to their primary focus on (a) motives and traits (content); (b) features of the job, work role, and work environment (context); and (c) the mechanisms and processes involved in choice and striving (processes).

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Motivation is the driving force behind an individuals behavior particularly in the context of work It involves the process of igniting and sustaining goaldirected actions and efforts Over time various ... View the full answer