Module 1 - 9 Types of Motivation for the Workplace with Examples [2024]

Employee Performance and Motivation

• Motivation is crucial for achieving goals.

  • Serves as fuel for goal accomplishment.

• Goals are often driven by intrinsic or extrinsic motivations.

  • Understanding these motivations is essential for different roles.

What is Motivation?

• Definition: A force that drives individuals to take action towards goals.

• Nature: Psychophysiological process that influences behavior.

• Cultural Influence: Motivational drivers vary by culture and societal norms.

  • Cultural background shapes motivation (e.g., community service orientation, professional achievement).

• Motivation is categorized into two major types:

  • Intrinsic Motivation: Internal, personal rewards.

  • Extrinsic Motivation: External rewards from outside the individual.

Intrinsic Motivation

• Definition: Motivated by internal gratification or satisfaction.

• Characteristics: Activities are pursued for their own sake, not for external recognition.

• Examples of Intrinsic Motivation:

  • Example 1: Peter, the footballer, practices beyond required training for personal improvement.

  • Example 2: Sharon, who struggles with health issues, eventually resolves to adopted healthier habits for personal well-being.

  • Example 3: James studies Italian to fulfill his passion for traveling and engaging with cultures.

  • Example 4: Brenda volunteers and rehabilitates homeless animals for personal fulfillment rather than monetary gain.

Extrinsic Motivation

• Definition: Driven by external rewards such as compensation or consequences.

• Categories:

  • Compensation: Salary increases, bonuses, recognition.

  • Punishment: Fear of fines or job loss.

• Examples of Extrinsic Motivation:

  • Example 1: A sales team is motivated by a bonus if they meet a target goal.

  • Example 2: John changes his behavior to avoid being fired for tardiness.

  • Example 3: Trisha buys the latest iPhone to fit in with societal trends, fueled by external pressures.

Differences Between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation

Types of Intrinsic Motivation

1. Competence Motivation:

   • Driven by the desire to learn and improve skills.

   • Example: Employee learning a new technique for self-betterment.

2. Creative Motivation:

   • Arises from the desire to express oneself through various mediums.

   • Example: Writing a book or making art for personal satisfaction.

3. Achievement Motivation:

   • Pursuit of personal goals for self-fulfillment rather than monetary rewards.

   • Example: Athletes striving for personal bests, independent of external recognition.

4. Attitude Motivation:

   • Desire to make a positive change in society regardless of external validation.

   • Example: Helping others despite personal inconvenience.

5. Affiliate Motivation:

   • Seeking belonging or acceptance within social groups.

   • Example: Choosing a workplace based on its community service ethics.

6. Physiological Motivation:

   • Focused on meeting basic human needs.

Types of Extrinsic Motivation

1. Reward-Based Motivation:

   • Motivation derived from external rewards; effective but often temporary.

2. Power-Based Motivation:

   • Driven by the desire to lead or control situations or people.

   • Example: Leadership roles requiring influence and decision-making.

3. Fear-Based Motivation:

   • Motivated by avoiding negative outcomes or consequences.

   • Example: Adhering to work schedules to avoid punishment.

Best Types of Motivation for Different Activities

1. For Employees:

   • Reward-based, attitude, fear-based, creative, achievement, competence, power motivations.

2. For Managers:

   • Reward-based, power-based, achievement, attitude, competence motivations.

3. In Education:

   • Achievement, reward-based, fear-based motivations.

Conclusion

• Understanding intrinsic and extrinsic motivations can enhance goal completion.

• Different scenarios require specific types of motivation for best outcomes.

• Balancing various motivation types can lead to effective results.