Motivation

Motivation is a general term applying to entire class of derives, desires, needs, wishes & similar forces. Definition: Motivation is the processes that account for an individuals intensity, direction, and persistence of effort toward attaining a goal. 1. 2. We will narrow the focus to organizational goals in order to reflect our singular interest in work-related behavior. The three key elements of our definition are intensity, direction, and persistence: Intensity is concerned with how hard a person tries. This is the element most of us focus on when we talk about motivation. Direction is the orientation that benefits the organization. Persistence is a measure of how long a person can maintain his/her effort. Motivated individuals stay with a task long enough to achieve their goal.

Theories of Motivation
Hierarchy Needs Theory
This is theory was put forth by psychologist Abraham Maslow. Maslow saw human needs in the form of a hierarchy, ascending from the lowest to the highest; and he concluded that, when one set of needs is satisfied, this kind of need ceases to be motivator.

The basic human needs placed by Maslow in an ascending order of importance and shown in figure below.

1. Physiological needs: These are the basic needs for sustaining human life itself, such as food, water, warmth, shelter and sleep. Maslow took the position that, until these needs are satisfied to the degree necessary to maintain life, other needs will not motivate people. 2. Security or Safety Needs: People want to be free of physical danger and of the fear of losing a job, property, food, or shelter. 3. Social or Affiliation or Acceptance Needs: Includes affection, belongingness, acceptance, and friendship 4. Esteem Needs: Includes internal esteem factors such as self-respect, autonomy, and achievement; and external esteem factors such as status, recognition, and attention 5. Need for Self-actualizations: The drive to become what one is capable of becoming; includes growth, achieving ones potential, and self-fulfillment.