Motivation Across Cultures

Keeping employees motivated in order to accomplish organizational objectives is a difficult task, yet both initial and ongoing motivation are critical to succeed in today's business world.

Work motivation is generally defined as a series of energizing forces that originate from both within and beyond an individual's self.

Motivation can be explained through two basic theories: content (how) and process (what) theories

Motivation process

Content theories assert that needs determine an individual's behavior.

Individuals have a multitude of needs in varying degrees of intensity.

These needs create a state of disequilibrium within the person.

The individual develops an urge to fulfill the need (s) being experienced.

Consequently, the individual begins to search the environment for potentially satisfying goals.

Motivation levels can be weak or strong, vary between individuals under different circumstances and can be related to multiple needs.

Human needs are the primary determinant of work-related behaviors.

Hence, managers can affect performance by influencing work related outcomes.

Managers influence motivation both by making use of individual differences in employee needs and providing rewards and punishments that are consistent with those needs