Motivation is a powerful force that affects human behaviour. Countless studies have been carried out in order to quantify the extent it has on human behaviour. However, human beings can be catergorised into many groups such as, culture, race, religion and all of it affects our perception and how we act. Even globalisation and the increasing interaction between different groups of people cannot bring about homogeneity across the human race. Thus, no one theory can adequately interpret and explain how motivation works. This essay will discuss two theories of motivation, how it influences our actions, and its shortcomings. Furthermore, the essay will also examine the effect a transformational leader has on employee motivation.
Content theories …show more content…
The expectancy theory suggests that people’s motivation are based on the extent of which the individual craves for the reward (Valence), the assessment of the likelihood that the effort will lead to expected performance (Expectancy) and the belief that the performance will lead to reward (Instrumentality). The 3 components form an equation, Motivation = Expectancy x Instrumentality x Valence. As the the model is multiplicative, if any of the factors is zero, motivation would also be zero. However, in reality, there are people who work hard even if they do not know what are the rewards. The theory suggests that humans act in a certain way depending on the expectation of the outcome and how attractive it is. Also, the theory assumes that people are motivated if they believe that their efforts will result in a good performance assessment which would result in rewards that are proportionate to the amount of effort they have invested. Thus, satisfying their personal goals. This theory explains why a lot of people are not motivated on their jobs and do the bare minimum to get by. Although the theory holds true in instances where individuals clearly recognise the connection between the effort-performance and performance-reward, the motivations are subjective as everyone is inherently different and it is difficult to gauge everyone’s intentions. Although the theory is rational …show more content…
These leaders have a hands on approach in any process they are dealing with, open to communication and are active in engaging with every group member. As illustrated by the 2 theories that were discussed in the essay, humans are different and there is no one solution or explanation that can address the rationale of our motivation or the lack there of. By being able to recognise the differing needs of employees, transformational leaders are able to provide individualised support which could stimulate employees and gain their trust. As a result, it could inspire employees to emulate the leaders and realise the a common
Content theories …show more content…
The expectancy theory suggests that people’s motivation are based on the extent of which the individual craves for the reward (Valence), the assessment of the likelihood that the effort will lead to expected performance (Expectancy) and the belief that the performance will lead to reward (Instrumentality). The 3 components form an equation, Motivation = Expectancy x Instrumentality x Valence. As the the model is multiplicative, if any of the factors is zero, motivation would also be zero. However, in reality, there are people who work hard even if they do not know what are the rewards. The theory suggests that humans act in a certain way depending on the expectation of the outcome and how attractive it is. Also, the theory assumes that people are motivated if they believe that their efforts will result in a good performance assessment which would result in rewards that are proportionate to the amount of effort they have invested. Thus, satisfying their personal goals. This theory explains why a lot of people are not motivated on their jobs and do the bare minimum to get by. Although the theory holds true in instances where individuals clearly recognise the connection between the effort-performance and performance-reward, the motivations are subjective as everyone is inherently different and it is difficult to gauge everyone’s intentions. Although the theory is rational …show more content…
These leaders have a hands on approach in any process they are dealing with, open to communication and are active in engaging with every group member. As illustrated by the 2 theories that were discussed in the essay, humans are different and there is no one solution or explanation that can address the rationale of our motivation or the lack there of. By being able to recognise the differing needs of employees, transformational leaders are able to provide individualised support which could stimulate employees and gain their trust. As a result, it could inspire employees to emulate the leaders and realise the a common