Concept of Motivation

Motivation can be defined as words or actions that influence other people’s culture, work, or life in general. Motivation plays a significant role, especially while working in an organisation, as there will be certain instances where a person might feel demotivated due to unfavourable conditions. During these times, motivation can benefit in multiple ways. 

Today in this study notes on the concept of motivation in management, we will discuss what motivation is, the importance of motivation, its benefits and other related topics. So, without any further ado, let’s get started with the study material notes on the concept of motivation in management. 

What is Motivation? 

Motivation is driven from an existing word, “motive”, which means they need to do something to get the required satisfaction. In simple terms, motivation can be defined as a process that maintains, initiates, guides, and attracts goal-oriented behaviour. Due to motivation, you tend to get up and work towards achieving your aim every day. Motivation plays a significant role in the work environment and benefits differently. 

If one of your friends or colleagues motivates you to perform better, it is referred to as extrinsic motivation as the third party is entering the picture. However, if the motivation is achieved from within, it is referred to as intrinsic motivation. There are several ways to get motivation from the inside. These could be listening or watching motivational videos and so on. Motivation involves social, biological, emotional, or cognitive forces that change the overall behaviour.

Importance of Motivation 

The importance of motivation cannot be put in words as it can change an individual’s entire life. For example, if you’re afraid of trying adventure activities, a few words from your friend’s side motivate you to go for it. Similarly, if a class 2 student is scared of learning tables, a little motivation from their teachers can bring a massive change. In the same manner, motivation plays a critical role in an organisation. 

Below we have listed several significant points that determine the benefits of motivated employees in an organisation. Let’s have a look- 

• Improves employees performance – Every time motivation is provided in the work environment, either from a senior or colleague, it boosts energy to perform better. Ultimately, it improves the overall performance level of an employee. 
• Reduces resistance to change – Although monetary benefits are given due importance, no employee would want to change their organisation if they get enough motivation. This reduces resistance to change. 
• Corporate image – Another essential benefit of motivated employees is a healthy corporate image. Proper motivation and words of encouragement lead to a healthy corporate image. 
• Effective utilisation of resources – Another importance of motivation is resource utilisation. If there is healthy motivation in the organisation, there are higher chances that the resources are most likely to be used effectively. 
• Increased efficiency and effectiveness -One significant advantage of motivated employees is that it improves work efficiency automatically. As a result, it benefits the company and leads to personal development. 
• Goals achievement – The advantages of motivated employees are all interlinked. If the output is sound, it will automatically help achieve organisational and personal goals. 
• Develops friendly relationships – Relationships are fostered because of motivation as it seamlessly bridges the gap between two employees. 
• Promotes work stability – As the resistance to change reduces due to motivation, it brings work stability. 

Besides these, there are several other advantages of motivated employees in an organisation. Besides organisation, motivation promotes personal growth as well. 

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory 

Human behaviour can be termed as goal-oriented. However, motivation greatly determines this behaviour. If a person is motivated, they are most likely to perform better as it helps people understand their needs and tackle the emerging issues effectively. To understand the human motivation factors, taking the help of the need hierarchy model is an ideal choice. 

In 1943, the hierarchy of needs theory was initially coined by Abraham Maslow, which was solely based on assumptions that included five primary requirements of humans. However, the importance or the urgency may differ from person to person depending on their current situation. Let’s talk about these needs in detail- 

• Physiological Needs – Physiological Needs includes the necessities of life, which are shelter, food, clothes, water, air, etc. These are important for human survival. 
• Safety Needs – Safety needs can be defined as those that help humans feel protected. Physical safety, environmental safety, emotional safety come under this category. 
• Social Needs – Humans are referred to as social animals as they are always searching for affection and love. Be it from friends or family. 
• Esteem Needs – Further, esteem needs are categorised into two parts; internal and external. The internal esteem needs include self-respect, confidence, freedom, whereas the exterior needs include recognition, power, attention, etc. 
• Self Actualisation Needs – The last is the self-actualisation needs which are mainly concerned with your future goals or understanding your capabilities. 

Conclusion 

This article covered multiple areas of the motivation concept and theories, including the definition of motivation, which can be defined as a process that maintains, initiates, guides, and attracts goal-oriented behaviour. Due to motivation, you tend to get up and work towards achieving your aim every day. This motivation concept and theories study material discussed the importance of motivation in an organisation. 

In the end, we talked about Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs theory. We hope this study material notes on the concept of motivation must have helped attain a greater understanding of Communication.