Motivation is everything, it is the key factor that determines how humans behave and build. It is derived from the Latin word 'movere' which translates to 'To move.'Robert Feldman, Psychology professor and advisor at the University of Massachusetts, defines motivation as follows,
"Factors that direct and energize the behaviour of humans and other organisms
in this world".
For Feist and Erika Rosenberg, It is "The urge to move towards one's goals,to
accomplish one's dreams or tasks π.
Needs,drives and incentives are the 3 main things that contribute to motivation.A
'need' to make himself attractive to a girl may 'drive' a boy to join a fitness club.An 'incentive'
can be winning a trophy in a body building competition.When you want your child to perform their best in the next competition, promise them an incentive π.
Individuals ,even though they have same skill levels, may perform differently
based on the motivation levels.for eg. It is often said that cricketer Vinod Kambli
was more talented than his friend Sachin Tendulkar, the cricketing legend.However their career achievement levels are quite different. We do
agree that success is subjective and differs from person to person.Also not forgetting the fact that Kambli has even coached Sachin's son .
Motivation will also help a child with disabilities to achieve great things in
life.
Types of Motivation
Primary Motivation - is related to one's need to fulfill basic needs such as hunger,sleep,desire and avoidance of pain etc.
Secondary motivation - is about what is important to a person.For eg. A person desire to achieve well in his career. It is also called as learned motivation.
Extrinsic motivation - talks about external motivation, for instance a badminton player getting a much awaited sponsorship.It is also related to standing for a good cause, getting reward or praise.
Intrinsic motivation - The motivation that arise from self or within.A person's desire to play badminton every day due to their love for the sport is an example.
According to Fiest and Rosenberg it is "A motivation that comes from within a person and includes the elements of enjoyment,challenge,mastery and autonomy".
However the withdrawal of extirnsic motivation might diminish one's intrinsic motivation.for eg. a player losing the motivation to play when he loses a sponsership.
Theories of Motivation.
1. Drive Theory
According to Drive Theory, lack of basic or primary needs such as thirst,hunger,sleep sex creates a drive that 'pushes' an organism to satisfy that need.Hence this theory also called as push theory.
Seconday drives are related to a person's learning and previous experiences. As stated earlier , a drive to be successful ,in one's career is a secondary drive.
2. Optimal Arousal Theory.
A human being performs at his best when she/he is energized or aroused at an optimum level. A higher or lower arousal leads to a poor performance. This theory was proposed by Yerkes and Dodson in 1908. Hence it is also called as Yerkes and Dodson law.This theory also help in explaining why a person does things for thrill and curiosity.
3. Incentive Theory
Incentive Theory talks only about extrinsic motivation. It is also called the pull theory because it states that external rewards or incentives 'pulls' a person to achieve their goals. For example, promising a child a chocolate helps them complete their homework.
4. Maslow Hierarchical Theory.
According to this model the needs are placed in an hierarchy. Basic needs and safety must be fulfilled before higher-order needs like love, esteem and self-actualization.
The best example is what we see at times of war.At those very hardtimes People don't care much about love or esteem rather they look forward to support safety and basic needs.
5. ERG Theory
ERG stands for existence,relatedness and Growth.This theory was proposed by Alderfer and is quite similar to maslow theory.However it has only three levels.'Existence' talks about safety and basic needs.'Relatedness' about social relations and finally 'Growth' to achieve one's full potential.
6. Acquired Needs Theory
This theory highlights 3 needs.Need for achievement,need for affiliation and need for power.
7. Two factor theory
Two factor theory discusses on hygiene factors and motivation factors. It states that satisfaction and dissatisfaction arise due to these two factors. For example,for an employee's salary is a hygiene factor, whereas promotion is a motivational factor. Hygiene factors control dissatisfaction, whereas motivational factors induce satisfaction.
So that concludes theories and types of motivation.And we almost agreed with Zig Ziglar when he said "Motivation comes from within. No one can hand it to you, but no one can take it away, either."
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