Motivation Concepts Analysis

Motivation Concepts Table and Analysis Marni Storer PSY 320/Human Motivation January18, 2012 Chastity ONeal-Willis

Motivation Concepts Analysis Motivation Concepts Analysis Studies have embraced three grand theories of motivation between its philosophical beginning and the 1960s; will, instinct, and drive. Of the many mini theories developed, intrinsic motivation plays a role in workplace situations I have personally experienced. Factors that encourage intrinsic motivation include challenge, curiosity, control, fantasy, competition, cooperation, and recognition. Intrinsic motivation challenges the way we learn, our purpose, interests, and meaning. Intrinsic motivation occurs when there is a generalized interest in a goal and it benefits us when the behavior to achieve the goal is self imposed. In my workplace, we sell new and pre-owned vehicles, offer vehicle repairs and maintenance, and parts and accessories for the vehicles we sell. There are several dealerships in our auto group and the opportunities for growth within the auto group are an attractive benefit when applying for a position within our company. I started with the company as part of an acquisition when the dealership owners decided to sell. Into my first year of college, working on a Bachelors degree in Business Accounting, I saw this as an opportunity to work for a company I could potentially make into a career. After working under the new ownership for a year, I was offered the opportunity to become senior accountant in a sister store who was losing their office manager to a store with no current office leadership. The first thing that came to mind was recognition and control. I immediately accepted and was flattered that I was considered for the opportunity. I felt emotionally ready and knew that I could handle the job. The incentives and exposure that I would get would also potentially open doors for an office manager position when graduate from college were very enticing as well. My perspective was positive because I understood that this job experience gives me the chance to acquire new skills that can be implemented into my

Motivation Concepts Analysis developmental goals for the future. This stepping stone was exactly what I needed to develop my accounting and office skills and progress in the company. I was eager and excited to show the owners my exceptional work ethic and that I am a team player ready to be part of the success in this dealership. Intrinsic motivation would not have been a successful motivator if I had not already possessed some skills and knowledge of the company and its inner workings. Achieving personal or career goals and motivation are closely related and when both are present in the workplace skill levels grow and employees tend to achieve more goals. It is not enough for companies to offer incentives for motivated employees. Opportunities for new skills and advancement opportunities are equally as important to a goal driven employee. When employees are given challenging tasks they feel like an asset to the company, and their self-efficacy is built along with work ethics that will ultimately help the organization fulfill its own missions. Organizations should provide more extensive employee training for current employees to allow them the opportunity to find skills that make them more valuable to the company. This may help enhance the goals of some employees not clear on their personal or career goals. What Ramifications Will Occur if the Challenges Fail? Each employee is given a role and responsibility in each job they have, and in an established incentives system, employees displays themselves as an asset to the company and should be rewarded in some way. The world today has evolved from centuries ago, and companies need individuals who are innovative and understand the trends of the current market. Only then will the workplace be over flowing with new and fresh ideas from its employee, creating a positive environment in the workplace.

Motivation Concepts Analysis References Reeve, J. (2009). Understanding motivation and emotion. (5th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.