MOTIVATION THEORIES: All Wrong and All Useful

We discussed many theories of work motivation, and, as noted, if there are many, there is no “the one.” Still, each theory can give us a glimpse into what motivates some people to do some types of work.

To construct a comprehensive theory, we must analyze these theories further and note that while exploring some parameters, they are utterly blind to others.

In total, seven parameters affect our desire to make an effort: an endpoint (or goal), criteria for reaching it, expectancy (or our subjective estimate of the probability of achieving the endpoint), delay to get to the endpoint, our values, our personality, and the means.

Let’s apply the Goal-setting theory to these characteristics. Here, the ‘endpoint’ refers to the goal, which is how much our lumber-truck drivers loaded their trucks. The ‘criteria’ for reaching this endpoint is the measure of their performance. In this theory, the ‘expectancy’ is not explicitly mentioned, but it can be assumed to be around 100%. The ‘delay’ to reach the endpoint is short, typically a few hours. ‘Values’ are at play but are externally induced, the ‘means’ are provided, and the ‘personality’ is usually that of physical workers (as were lumber truck drivers) or athletes.

If we analyze the Reinforcement theory, the endpoint is there, yet the criteria are either positive or negative. The expectancy must be close to 100%; otherwise, the entire underpinning is not working. The delay must be minimal. Otherwise, it is hard to connect the behavior to the endpoint. The values are considered but split into two broad categories—the things you value (or carrots) and the things you are afraid of (or sticks). However, although the theory does not emphasize personality characteristics, they exist. We all know that some people will misbehave, and others will not, and although any society indoctrinates its members in the “right ways” and waves a stick to punish the “wrong ones,” prisons are never empty.

In the book, we discuss all the theories.

Of note is that academic work has a longer delay than many jobs. Your input today, tomorrow, and even in a month will likely not lead to reaching the endpoint. This trait of academic work might lead to a notorious lack of motivation.

{LACK OF MOTIVATION, ECPM, SMALL WINS, DELAY, FEEDBACK, EXPECTANCY, SUBJECTIVITY, WHO AM I?}