Page 289 - DMGT106_MANAGING_HUMAN_ELEMENTS_AT_WORK

Unit 13: Motivation and Morale

Notes
Figure 13.1: Need-Performance Cycle

Steps 1 2 3 4 5

Individual Perceived Wants Motivation Action
needs environment (Tension) (Tension
release)

Incentives

Individuals appraise the total situation and are motivated to take actions to satisfy their needs.
For example, the need for food (hunger) creates the wait for it, which forces the person to
search for food depending upon his choice and availability (perceived environment). Since
one’s environment affects ones appetite for a particular type of food, a south Indian may want
dosa or idly, while a north Indian might want chole bature or rajma chawal. Both persons will be
motivated to take action, but they seek different types of food in different ways.

13.1.2 General Model of Motivation
A general model of the independent variables that are basic to work motivation is presented
in Figure 13.2. This model provides a framework for understanding the dynamic nature of the
motivational process. As shown in Figure 13.2 the basic components of motivation are
(1) needs, desires, and expectations, (2) behaviour, (3) goals and (4) feedback.
Psychological disequilibria arouse behaviour directed towards satisfying a specific incentive or
goal thought to restore equilibrium. Moreover, one will persist in trying to attain the relevant
incentives or goals until balance is restored. As incentives or goals are achieved, internal
feedback decreases both disequilibrium and motivation.
The model of motivational process can be illustrated with the help of the following example:
A software engineer in a company desires to (has a need for) write innovative programmes
(disequilibrium) and seeks a more challenging assignment from his boss (behaviour) hoping
that this would help in his professional growth (goal). When he receives such an assignment,
his disequilibrium is reduced and his attention shifts from this need (a challenging assignment)

Figure 13.2: A General Model of the Motivation Process

Achievement of
Internal dissonance because goals leading to
of unfulfilment of needs, Behaviour incentives and
desires, expectations rewards

Reduction of dissonance as a
result of need
fulfilment / satisfaction

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