CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

Introduction
People do not do things without any reason. There is a certain cause for every
action. Human beings do things because of inspiration or motives. Motivation drives
each person to do something. These motives are the root of dreams, goals, aspirations
and determination. This is the answer on why we choose things, why we choose to do
such things and why we keep on doing those. Motivation is the reason behind why a
person behaves similarly or differently to others.
In life, the most crucial part is choosing a career. An undergraduate students
selection of a major can be a stressful and pressure-filled endeavour. However, the
student does not make this decision in a vacuum; there are factors that play a role in
influencing it. 1
There are many theories about what motivates people. In actuality, you are
motivated by both internal and external factors, as there is always a mixture of reasons
why you do, achieve, behave, learn and react.2 Students are influenced by intrinsic and
extrinsic factors in choosing a career. Individual desires, family needs, environmental
influences, respected people, news and trends are only some of it. These factors are
easily identified if its source is external but what is difficult to measure is when it comes
from the person itself.
Being firm and holding tightly the chosen career is another problem. It is not easy
to maintain the drive of each student to pursue the career. Some followed their original
plan up until their graduation day. Others reselected careers, one after another or
decided to stop and start working. Still, this reflects the motivational factors that affected
these students. The intensity of the motivation of each student might be reflected in their
academic performance. The motivation must be at least kept at a stable level or increase
it to sustain good performance.
Motivation is described as a state that energizes, directs and sustains behaviour.
Motivation involves goals and requires activity. Goals provide the impetus for and the

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direction of action. While action entails effort, persistence in order to sustain activity for a
long period of time.3 Thus, it can be concluded that motivation leads in the creation of
goals and with effort to attain it, increase the level of learning process. Motivation is
among the most powerful determinants of students success or failure in school (Hidi &
Harackiewicz, 2000; Ryan & Connell, 1989; Sternberg & Wagner, 1994).4
Motivation is a critical component of learning. Motivation is important in getting
students to engage in academic activities. It is also important in determining how much
students will learn from the activities they perform or the information to which they will be
exposed to. Students who are motivated to learn something use higher cognitive
processes in learning about it. Motivation to do something can come about in many
ways. It can be a personality characteristic or a stable long-lasting interest in something.5
This shows that it is important that the students know and remember why theyve
chosen a certain career. It also implies that having much drive is a key to increase
academic performance of the students. This study was conducted by the students of BS
Accountancy who went through challenges and difficulties in maintaining their
performance. They wanted to know the motivations of their colleagues in the program to
compare and determine how this affects their performances. The researchers also
wanted to present the factors that affect the motivations of the students and recommend
tools and strategies to strengthen motivation and eventually, increase performance.
Statement of the Problem
This study determined the motivational factors that affected the decision of Bicol
University College of Business, Economics and Management 1st to 4th year BS
Accountancy students in taking up the BS Accountancy program and how it affected
their performance.

This study was intended to recommend development and

enhancement of educational services to the students. The study sought to answer the
following problems:
1. What is the profile of the BS Accountancy in terms of:
a. Age
b. Gender
c. Year Level
d. General Weighted Average

MOTIVATIONS OF STUDENTS OF BICOL UNIVERSITY

IN TAKING UP BS ACCOUNTANCY

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2. What are the motivational factors of the students of BS Accountancy in Bicol

University in taking up the course, in terms of:
a. Intrinsic (Internal) Motivations
b. Extrinsic (External) Motivations
3. What are the motivational factors that influence the academic performance of the
of BS Accountancy students, in terms of:
a. Intrinsic (Internal) Motivations
b. Extrinsic (External) Motivations
4. What is the level of effectiveness of motivational factors on the performance of
students along intrinsic and extrinsic?
5. Is there relationship of motivational factors to students academic performance?
6. What are some motivating tools and strategies that can be recommended to
increase and maintain the academic performance of the students?
Scope and Delimitations
This study mainly focuses on the Bicol University College of Business Economics
and Management BS Accountancy students. The population was delimited by a
sampling method. It only covered the students who took BS Accountancy in Bicol
University.
This study identified the motivational factors of the students of Bicol University in
taking up BS Accountancy and the motivational factors affecting the academic
performance and suggested tools and strategies that will be helpful to the institution.
Significance of the Study
The outcome of this study is beneficial to the administration of BUCBEM,
particularly the students of BS Accountancy. This can help them in the development and
improvement of the students in relation to the academic performance. The results also
benefit the following:
Students This study will primarily benefit the students to be aware of the
motivational factors that affect learning process. It will also provide students motivating
tools and strategies that will greatly help to improve academic performance. Since,
academic performance is a determining factor of success.

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Future BS Accountancy Students This study will be helpful to the future

students who wanted to take up BS Accountancy. This will provide them information
about their motivations that is similar to the BS Accountancy Students who were
respondents to this subject.
Parents This study will give a significant benefit to the parents of the students
to understand the motivational factors that affect the performance of the students. It will
serve as an eye opener on the part of the parents on what are the effects of their action
towards their children on the learning process. It will also suggest to the parents
strategies to help their children get motivated to improve their academic performance.
Teachers and Professors This is also beneficial to the teachers and professors
to know the motivational factors that affect students performance. They would like to
consider these factors in their teaching strategies for the betterment of their students and
help them to achieve their goals.
Guidance Office This study will serve as resource to the guidance office for
future consultation of the students for career guidance and counselling.
School Administration - This may guide them in formulation of more effective and
student-caring educational policies, curriculum and strategies for more successful
catering for education.
Researchers This will help us to know the motivations of the other BS
Accountancy students and how it affects their performance. Similarities and differences
with our own motivations might lead us to understand how these well help us in our own
dealings in the program.
Future Researchers This will serve us a reference material to those
researchers that well delve on the same line of study. This may help them to conduct a
similar study in their own field and institution.

MOTIVATIONS OF STUDENTS OF BICOL UNIVERSITY

IN TAKING UP BS ACCOUNTANCY

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Notes
Walmsley, A., Wilson, T., Morgan, C. (2010) Influences on a College Students

Major: A Developmental Perspective, p. 25

2

Thompson, N. (2014) The Difference Between Intrinsic Motivation & Extrinsic

Motivation,

url:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/174305-the-difference-between-

intrinsic-motivation-extrinsic-motivation
3

Hurst, K. (2014) The Importance of Motivation in an Educational Environment,

url:

http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/the-importance-of-motivation-in-an-

educational-environment.html
Hadre, P.L., et al, (November 2006) Factors Affecting High School Students

Academic Motivation in Taiwan, Asia Pacic Journal of Education, Vol. 26, No. 2, p. 190
5

n.n, (2008) Motivation, url: http://www.psychologycampus.com/educational-

psychology/motivation.html