Motivation

Internal systems | Content theories | Process theories | So what?

Internal systems

There are many systems and theories of motivation (for example see 'see also' below). But what if we look deeper? What are the internal structures that lead to us acting (as opposed, perhaps, to not acting). Here key systems:

Aristotle's seven causes: Seven factors that motivate.
Beliefs: are 'assumed truths' on which our understanding of the world is founded.
Emotions: are the fundamental internal systems that kick us into action.
Extrinsic Motivation: Driven by external factors.
Goals: that we set ourselves to achieve our needs.
Interest: those things that attract our attention.
Intrinsic Motivation: Driven by internal factors.
Motivating gaps: It's the gaps that drive us forward.
Needs: are the pre-programmed drivers that evolution has given us.
Three motivations to work: Task, self, interaction.
Values: are the social rules that we live by that enable our tribal societies to function.
Yerkes-Dodson Law: Stress and performance.

Content theories

Content theories of motivation define it in terms of satisfaction of needs.

Alderfer's ERG Theory: three key needs.
Herzberg's Motivation-Hygiene Theory .
Maslow's Hierarchy of needs: lower needs must be met first.
McClelland's Acquired Needs Theory is also a three-need model.
Mumford's needs: four basic needs of workers.
Veroff's taxonomy: six achievement goals.

Process theories

Process theories of motivation define in terms of a rational cognitive process.

Adams' Equity Theory: Balanced give and take.
Vroom's Expectancy Theory: We expect what we predict.
Kahler's drivers: I must be perfect, strong, etc.

So what?

So if you want to motivate people, understand the systems by which they are motivated! If you can get your head around the fundamental systems, you will not need to learn hundreds of outer-level methods.

It also, by the way, a very good idea to keep an eye on what is happening at this level, no matter what you are doing. For example, if you are presenting to a wider audience, are you playing to their needs and goals? can you see the emotion on their faces?

And of course watch them in yourself. If you believe, for example, that you are superior to other people, then you will end up acting this way. A little bit of authority helps, of course, but it is easy to over do this and come over as arrogant and uncaring, which is not the best way of persuading people.

Motivation

Internal systems

Content theories

Process theories

So what?

See also