Introduction

Introduction

The term motivation can be used in different ways to refer to an individual’s goal, the ways an individual choose the goals, and the ways in which others try to achieve the goal Locke and Latham, (2004). Gomez, (2004) states that motivation energizes, directs, and sustains human behavior directed towards a goal. According to Certo (2004), the skill building that Motivating employees requires employers to study the monetary, physical and psychological needs, because individuals are motivated by a number of items namely intrinsic and extrinsic rewards.

As explained by Bedeian (1993), employees were considered as another input in the production of good and services, but Elton Mayo’s (cited in Honore 2009), study called Hawthorne research from 1924 to 1932 changed the way of thinking. In addition, Hawthorne’s (Honore, 2009), began a relationship management approach where employee needs and motivation became the main focus of managers, which helped the company to increase productivity. (as Illustrated in figure 1.0)

Figure 1.0: The Hawthorne studies

 

Source: human-relations-and-human-resources, (2011).

Nel et al. (2015), and Mackay (2006), are confident that identifying the key factors that motivate employees in the workplace is essential for the organization to understand and recognize the important motivational factors that influence their employees behavior In addition, Stone (2013), argues by knowing how to motivate the employees, organisations will be able to increase productivity at the workplace and improve customer satisfaction, and the significant factor that can create a competitive advantage over any competitor. Sharma (2006), states the motivated employees are the lifeblood of an organization. Kristein (2010), points out the different activities in workplace can achieve varying levels of success in trying to maintain the level of motivation of employees, but depends on the work in place. Motivation encourages people to work efficiently and to work hard in their organizational position (Kristein, 2010).

 Osterloh and Frey (2002), suggests deciding whether employees are motivated and engaged in an organization is a major step towards creating a positive working environment and employees who work with enthusiasm are the ones who drive innovation, deliver higher levels of work and can move the organization forward.

 

The video 1.0:  Explains what really motivates workers 

Source: moneywatch (Pink, 2010)

Reference

Bedeian, A. G. (1993). Management (3rd ed.). New York: Dryden Press.

Certo, S. C., (1998). Supervision – Concepts and Skill Building (3rd Ed.). NewYork: NY McGrawHill.

Gomez-Mejia, R.L., Balkin, B.D., Cardy, L.R. (2004). Managing Human Resources (4th Ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Honore. (1990). motivation. the constorium journal, voulme 1.

Kirstein, M. (2010). The role of motivation in human resources: importance of motivation factors among future business persons, Aarhus: Denmark Aarhus School of Business.

Locke, E., & Latham, G. 2002. Building a practically useful theory of goal setting and task motivation: A 35-year Odyssey. American Psychologist 57: 705-717.

Mackay, A. (2006). Motivation, ability and confidence building in people. Burlington, MA: Routledge.

Mayo, e. (2011). the hawthorne studies. 1. Retrieved from https: herzberg. (n.d.). the two factor motivation. motivation. Retrieved from expertprogrammanagement .com

 Nel, P. S., Werner, A., Botha, C. J., Du Plessis, A. J., Mey, M., Ngalo, O., Poiat, P., Van Hoek, L. (2015). Human Resources Management (9th ed.). Cape Town, South Africa: Oxford University Press

Osterloh, M. and Frey, B.S., 2002. Does pay for performance really motivate employees. Business Performance Management–Theory and Practice, pp.107-122.

Pink, D. (2009). Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us. New York: The Penguin Group.

 Sharma, S. (2006). The right way to motivate employees and win their hearts. Retrieved 25- 07-2006, from http://www.bpmwatch.com/research/winheart.html

Stone, R. J. (2013). Managing human resources ( 4th ed.). Milton, Qld: John Wiley and Sons.