MOTIVATION
Motivation is the process of stimulating people to action to accomplish desired goals. Motivation is a managerial function which has been defined by different scholars. Motivation is the process of stimulating people to action to accomplish desired goals. Motivation is a managerial function which has been defined by different scholars.
Drive Theory
Drive-reduction theory is based on the idea that the primary motivation behind all human behavior is to reduce ‘drives.’
A ‘drive’ is a state of arousal or discomfort that is triggered by a person’s physiological or biological needs, such as hunger, thirst, and the need for warmth.
According to the theory, when a person’s drive emerges, they will be in an unpleasant state of tension which causes them to behave in such a way that this tension is reduced.
To reduce the tension they feel, they will seek out ways to satisfy their biological needs. Drive-reduction theory is based on the concept of homeostasis, which is the idea that the body actively works to maintain a state of balance or equilibrium. According to the theory, as soon as there is an unmet need within the body, a person starts behaving in a manner that allows them to address this need, reduce the drive, and achieve a state of balance. Drive-reduction theory was created by behaviorist Clark Hull and was developed further by his collaborator Kenneth Spence.
Hull’s theory became popular during the 1940s and 1950 as a way to explain behavior, learning, and motivation.
Hull based his theory on the concept of homeostasis, which is the idea that all organisms seek to keep their internal physiologic systems stable and balanced.
Drive reduction theory proposes that the goal of motivated behavior is to reduce physiological arousal and return to homeostasis.
A drive is any internal factor that compels an organism to seek out certain stimuli or perform certain behaviors to reduce arousal.
According to drive reduction theory, all motivated behavior arises from drives, basically needs or wants stemming from a disruption in homeostasis (a state of equilibrium). The higher the level of arousal, the greater the drive (Hull, 1952).
PUSH AND PULL THEORY OF MOTIVATION
The push and pull theory of motivation, initially developed in migration studies (Lee, 1966), has been adapted to fields like consumer behaviour and organizational psychology. It offers a framework to comprehend the factors shaping human behaviour and decision-making processes. This model suggests that people are motivated by both internal forces (push factors) and external attractions (pull factors) simultaneously.
Push Motivation is a behavior where an individual forces themselves to complete a task to satisfy a need or achieve a goal. This type of motivation is driven by external factors, such as avoiding negative outcomes or meeting the expectations of others. The key characteristic of push motivation is that it stems from a desire to avoid something undesirable, rather than a natural inclination towards the task at hand. While push motivation can be effective in the short term, it may not be sustainable in the long run. It can lead to burnout, resentment, or a lack of intrinsic satisfaction.
Pull Motivation in contrast, is a behavior where an individual feels naturally drawn towards an activity. This type of motivation is driven by internal factors, such as the pursuit of positive outcomes or the inherent enjoyment of the task itself. Pull motivation is often more sustainable than push motivation, as it taps into an individual’s intrinsic desires and interests. When people are motivated by pull factors, they are more likely to experience a sense of fulfilment and engagement in their activities, leading to better long-term outcomes.
In the movie 3 Idiots, Rancho had a genuine love for machines and learning, he is an example of pull motivation. His enrolment in an engineering college is out of his intrinsic will and passion towards the subject. Whereas for Farhan, it was due to his parental pressure to avoid any negative consequences (‘Sharma ji kya bologe’). He is an example of push motivation.
His passion lay in wildlife photography and not engineering. So, can we conclude that pull motivation leads to more satisfaction, happiness and contentment than push motivation? If that’s so why not choose pull motivation over push motivation in every situation?
Motives behind motivation
Psychologists have divided motives into —Biological motives and psychosocial motives.
Biological Motives
These motives are essential for the survival of the organism. Such motives are triggered when there is imbalancement in the body. The body always tends to maintain a state of equilibrium called “Homeostasis”- in many of its internal physiological processes.
This balance is very essential for the normal life. Homeostasis helps to maintain internal physiological processes at optimal levels. The nutritional level, fluid level, temperature level, etc., are maintained at certain optimal level or homeostasis levels. When there is some variation in these levels the individual is motivated for restoring the state of equilibrium.
Hunger motive:
We develop hunger motive in order to maintain homeostasis. This is indicated by contraction of stomach muscles causing some pain or discomfort called hunger pangs.
Thirst motive:
In our daily life regularly we take fluids in the form of water and other beverages. These fluids are essential for our body tissues for normal functioning. When the water level in the body decreases we develop motive to drink water. Usually thirst motive is indicated by dryness of mouth.
Motive for regulation of body temperature:
Maintenance of normal body temperature (98.6°F or 37.0°C) is necessary. Rare some automatic mechanisms to regulate body temperature, like sweating when the temperature rises above normal or, shivering when it falls below normal. These changes motivate us to take necessary steps. For example, opening of windows, put on fans, take cool drinks, remove clothes, etc., when the temperature increases to above normal level; and closing doors and windows, wear sweaters, take hot beverages when temperature falls down. In this way we try to regulate the body temperature.
D. Sex motive:
This is a biological motive, arises in the organism as a result of secretion of sex hormones-like androgens and estrogens. Sex need is not essential for the survival of the individual, but it is essential for the survival of the species. However, fulfillment of the sex need is not like satisfying hunger or thirst. The society and the law exercise certain codes of conduct.
PSYCHOSOCIAL MOTIVES
Achievement motive:
Achievement motivation refers to a desire to achieve some goal. This motive is developed in the individual who has seen some people in the society attaining high success, reaching high positions and standards.
He/she develops a concern to do better, to improve performance. David C Mc Clelland who conducted a longitudinal study on characteristics of high and low achievers found that the high achievers choose and perform better at challenging tasks, prefer personal responsibility, seeks and utilize feedback about the performance standard, having innovative ideas to improve performance.
b. Aggressive motive:
It is a motive to react aggressively when faced frustrations. Frustration may occur when a person is obstructed from reaching a goal or when he is insulted by others. Even in a fearful and dangerous do or die situation the individual may resort to aggressive behaviour. Individual expresses such behaviour to overcome opposition forcefully, which may be physical or verbal aggression.
c. Power motive:
People with power motive will be concerned with having an impact on others. They try to influence people by their reputation. They expect people to bow their heads and obey their instructions.
Usually people with high power motive choose jobs, where they can exert their powers. They want people as followers. They expect high prestige and recognition from others. For example, a person may aspire to go for jobs like Police Officer, Politician, Deputy Commissioner, etc.