Basic Motivation Concepts

By Jeffin Joseph

Motivation The forces that account for an individuals intensity , direction and persistence towards attaining a particular goal.

Key elements

1.Intensity:how hard a person tries 2.Direction:toward beneficial goal 3.Persistence:how long a person tries

Definition on motivation according to Harold Kootz

Harold Koontz, was a consultant for US's largest business organizations. He co-authored the book Principles of management with Cyril.J.O Donnell . Mr. Koontz, was a professor of business management at University of California, Los Angeles

Motivation is a general term applying to desires, needs, wishes and similar forces. To say that managers motivate their subordinates is to say that managers do these things which they hope will satisfy the desires and induces the subordinates to act in a desired manner.

Dr. Morris S. Viteles, a former dean of the Graduate School of Education who was regarded as the father of industrial psychology and vocational guidance

Motivation represent s an unsatisfied need which creates a state of tension or disequilibrium, causing the individual to move in a goal directed pattern towards restoring a state of equilibrium by satisfying the need. -Viteles

Characteristics of motivation
It is a psychological concept. It encourages a person to work hard. It is a endless process because the needs of the workers are unlimited. It is the desires that prompts a person to work more. Workers who are mentally disturbed cannot be motivated. It aims at fulfillment of objectives of the firm.

Importance of motivation
It starts action. It improves efficiency It ensures achievement of organization goals. It will result in better industrial relations. It will lead to a stable work force. It will reduce workers resistance to changes. It will create better organizational image.

Motivational Techniques

Monetary or Financial

Directly or indirectly associated with monetary benefits Higher wages , salaries ,bonus , profit sharing, leave with pay, medical reimbursements,etc

Non monetary Recognition A word of praise, A letter of appreciation, A good entry in the service book ,etc Participation Workers in decision making The opinions ideas suggestions etc of workers will be considered. Status Position a person enjoys in the society, To be placed in a higher grade , a person will have to show good performance.

Challenges in Employee Motivation

Motivating low wage part time employees. Motivating the diverse work force Motivating high tech Employees. Motivating X Generation work force

Time For Queries