Motivation Diagnostic Framework

A Hypothesis
Sohailuddin Alavi
Capacity Building and Institutional Development Consultant Karachi, Pakistan (Email: ccgroup.pakistan@gmail.com)

Hypothesis

Managers generally complain for the lack of motivation of employees at work! For many of us motivation is either there or not! Hence all behavior and performance problems somehow are referred to as manifestations of motivation inadequacy!
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Hypothesis

However, the hypothesis in this analysis suggests that every individual has motivation, which needs to be harnessed in the right direction for optimal performance advantage!
Furthermore, performance is a complex function of multiple variables motivation being one
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Motivation Defined

Motivation is a self-rationalization to act or not to act in a situation, whichever is consistent to the given personal motives or interests (needs in particular) Behaviors ignited merely by motivation can have different manifestations, namely;
Rational Type Hyper Type Fence-sitter Type Withdrawn Type
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Hypothetical Motivation and Behavior Framework

Motivation is caused by satisfaction and contentment Satisfaction is a function of motives one carries in life. Greater the motives lower will be the satisfaction perceived, as achievements would always be shadowed by unfulfilled motives
Contentment is a function of perceived value of achievement. An attitude of cherishing even small achievements increases contentment
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Hypothetical Motivation and Behavior Framework

A state of higher satisfaction and contentment harnesses motivation leading to Rational Behavior
On the other corner, state of dissatisfaction coupled with discontentment turns motivation into despondency leading to Withdrawn Behaviors
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Hypothetical Motivation and Behavior Framework

State of high contentment coupled with dissatisfaction puts the motivation in hyper mode leading to Impulsive Behaviors
On the other corner, state of satisfaction coupled with discontentment affects motivation into fence-sitter mode leading to Cursory Behaviors
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Hypothetical Motivation and Behavior Framework

Satisfaction Region of Harnessed Motivation Contentment Region of Hyper Motivation Region of Despondent Motivation Region of Fence Sitting Motivation Discontentment

Dissatisfaction
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Hypothetical Motivation and Behavior Framework

Rational behaviors can be induced by expanding the region of Harnessed Motivation. This can be done by:
Inculcating realistic outlook towards motives, and Improving contentment of achievements

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Sohailuddin Alavi

Hypothetical Motivation and Behavior Framework

Satisfaction Region of Fence Sitting Motivation
Region of Despondent Motivation

Region of Harnessed Motivation

Contentment

Region of Hyper Motivation Dissatisfaction

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Discontentment

Sohailuddin Alavi

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