WEEK 3: Motivation

Motivation is defined as the internal and external factor and energy that drive people or groups towards goals and objectives.

Motivation Theories:

Internal: Referring to the individual itself.

Process: Interaction between individual and environment.

External: Focus on the external elements/environment.

Also, when we talk about motivation, it’s very important to keep in mind the concept of “Need” which is one of the drivers of motivation and movement. These needs are made by the “internal need” and the “external incentives”.

Teamwork its very important to achieve goals and get a better outcome to the actor of the organizagtion.

Needs theories:

·         Maslow’s Need Hierarchy: divided in two groups. 1) Theory X: Low order needs (safety and physiological). 2) Theory Y: Higher order needs (Love, esteem and self actualization).

In the work terms, the theories are opposite, the X referring to employees who dislike work, avoid responsibility, with little or no ambition, workers are cost. In the Y work it’s seen as natural, more innovative and more assumption of responsibility, workers are assets.

·         ERG Theory:  Existence, relatedness and growth. Needs are from the internal to the external ones, from the individual to the social stage. Workers pursue multiple needs at the same time.

·         McClelland’s needs theory: A set need: achievement, power and affiliation.  In the presence of motivator who drive the movement.

·         Social exchange and equity theory: Individuals and organizations, immerse in relationships of different kinds, depending on the interactions among them.

·         Stacy Adam’s theory of inequity: The individuals compare themselves among others.

·         Expectancy theory: Act driven under the development of effort, performance and rewards.

Managers need to keep in mind that each employee has different needs and has to be motivated in different ways, monetary revenue it’s not the only important motivator for employees, also building an appropriate labor environment its very beneficial for them.

This video refers to the lack of good working conditions and benefits that affect employee’s perception and satisfaction with the organization.

In multicultural organizational contexts what could be a good strategy to keep people motivated towards a common task?

It’s very important to have in mind the different cultures and the environment where they role, a lot of strategies can be approach to motivate people: at fist the monetary issues which is very attractive to most of the people, then the recognition of achievement, also the equity balance, which means treating everyone at the same level. Also a great way to motivate people is towards non monetary incentives like more time off, different activities among others. Encouraging team work and joint responsibility is a way of making tinghs more enjoyable and fueling the motivation towards a common task.

Video retreived from:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oz8RfU4GQZo&feature=related

Video retreived from:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQtp6KMAIw0

Information retreived from:http://interactiva.eafit.edu.co/ei/

Information retreived from: "Viorel, Lefter, Manolescu, Aurek, Marinas Cristian Virgil and Puia Ramona Stefania. 2009 "Employees Motivation Theories developed at an international level"