Goals And Motivation In Kurt Lewin's Theory Of Behavior

Kurt Lewin’s theory suggests that behavior is a function of something and exists both inside a person and outside a person in the situation, hence, the way an individual feels about something occurs on the inside and forms needs and motives which are then reflected in a person’s attitude (Hersey, Blanchard, & Johnson, 2008, p. 15). Attitude is then reflected outward and can be seen in a person’s personality and actions, thus, persons are influenced by the situation in which they find themselves, and situations are influenced by persons (Hersey et al., 2008, p. 15). Behavior may be conscious or subconscious and is goal oriented and driven by the desire to attain a specific result; therefore, behavior becomes the basic unit of activity that all people do (Hersey et al., 2008). …show more content…
Motives are the “whys” of behavior and constitute and direct both activity and a general direction of behavior for an individual (Hersey et al., 2008, p. 17). Motives are also in flux, thus, an individual’s motivation becomes dependent on the strength of the motive (Hersey et al., 2008). Goals or incentives exist outside an individual and are typically in the form of praise, power, rewards, and even money, thus, goals satisfy a need (Hersey et al., 2008). Motive or needs are in competition for a balanced behavioral response; however, the need with the greatest strength, at any given point in time, is usually satisfied first, therefore, a satisfied need leads to an activity and a behavioral response (Hersey et al.,