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TOPIC 9: MOTIVATION
Specific objectives By the end of the topic, learners should be able to: • Describe the major motivation theories • Describe Maslow,s hierarchy of motives • Describe the nature of achievement motivation
What is motivation? It is a need or desire that serves to energize behavior.
Theories of motivation Earlier theorists came up with the instinct theory. The problem with this theory is that it does not explain human behavior; it simply terms them as instincts. Later in the 1940s, Clark Hull came up with the drive reduction theory. Which is the idea that a physiological need creates an arousal/ ten- sion state (a drive) that motivates an organism to satisfy (behavior) the need? The aim of the drive- reduction theory is to bring about internal stability (Homeostasis) - this is the maintenance of a steady internal environment. Example Need for e.g. Drive (Hunger Drive-reduction food, water or Thirsty) behavior. (eating, drinking)
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
Abraham Maslow agrees with Hull on his drive reduction theory and in this he argues that human behavior is a response to needs. Maslow observed that all human beings have needs which are a motivation to their behavior. He identified them as physiological, safety, belongingness, esteem and self-actualization needs. He arranged them in hierarchy in which they should be satisfied.
Maslow’s hierarchy of human needs
Self-Actualization Needs: Need to live up to one’s fullness & unique potentials Esteem Needs: Need for achievement, Self-esteem, competence and respect
Belongingness & love needs: Need to love, be
Loved and accepted Safety & security needs: Need to feel safe, secure and stable
Physiological needs: Needs to satisfy e.g. hunger and thirst.
They are basic needs.
Maslow argues that, once our lower level needs are met we are prompted to satisfy our higher level needs. The motivation is towards satisfying those needs.
One of these needs/motivation we strife to satisfy and is a driving force to many peoples’ behavior is esteem needs/ achievement needs.
Achievement motivation Henry Murray, in 1938, observed that the need for achievement motivates people (Joshua, 1989). This is the need to meet or exceed some standard of excellence in performance. When we achieve, our self esteem is improved.
Some people are not only motivated to excel but also to be in control, to be in charge of events or persons, usually at another’s expense. Other peoples’ behavior is motivated by the need for affilia- tion. That is to be with others and to form relationships and associations. But all people are moti- vated by a need for competence; to meet the challenges provided by their environment.
Highly motivated children often have parents who encourage their independence from early age, and praise and reward for their success. People who need high achievement motivation choose tasks of moderately difficulty, tasks that present an attainable goal in which success is attributable to their own skills. Motivation can be intrinsic or extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation is the inner desire to be effective for its own sake. Motivation that causes people to participate in an activity for their own enjoyment not for reward. Extrinsic motivation is the seeking external rewards and avoiding punishment. Motivation that makes people to participate in an activity for a tangible reward.
Douglas McGregory identifies two contrasting views of managers when working with people with different levels of motivation: theory X managers and theory Y managers. Theory X managers believe that people are extrinsically motivated and only work for money. Thus, they need to be supervised and be told what to do. Theory Y managers believe that people are in- trinsically motivated thus; they need to be involved in the day to day running of the company.
Effective managers use extrinsic reward to inform employees of their successes and boost intrinsic motivation. They adjust their management style to suit their employees, assessing the workers’ mo- tives (accomplishment, recognition, affiliation and power), challenging them with clear objectives and specific goals and rewarding them accordingly.
Summary In this topic we have discussed: 1. What motivation is 2. Theories of motivation. 3. Maslow hierarchy of motivation/needs. 4. Achievement motivation
Review Questions 1. What is motivation? 2. Giving relevant examples, discuss the drive-reduction theory. 3. Differentiate between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
Sources Myers, D. G. (2001). Psychology Michigan: Worth Publishers.
Joshua, R. G, Thomas, Jerry, N & Thomas, B. (1988).Fundamentals of Psychology. USA: Scott,
