Psy 320 - Motivation Concepts Paper

Motivation Concepts Paper

Daric M. Grant

PSY/320

University of Phoenix

August 6, 2011

Tyler Maxey

Motivation Concepts Paper

Motivation can generally make or break a business. Motivation within organizations can be defined by what gets everyone going to achieve one common goal. Motivation is not the same for every company, as it deals differently with each individual within the organization. Motivation is tied directly to innovation. Innovation is the process by which an organization attempts to unlock the creative potential of the employees (Klein, 1992). Employers and employees must have some sort of common ground in order to achieve the daily responsibilities set forth by company policy. Ironically, company policy must also abide by the guidelines which are mandatory rules for employer and employee to follow in order to keep morale high. If this falls out of line by the shortest margin, it will definitely become a hindrance towards productivity and ultimately the demise of any successful business.

Although an individual's motivation may change over time, it is the motivational force that strengthens the inner needs to succeed. Personal experience shows us that a thriving business in today's economy has mastered the motivational arena. Whether it is awarding personnel for outstanding customer service, or something as simple as granting an employee the requested days off from labor, the tool in which a business uses, promotes and produces longevity within the firm. Sadly enough, those that lack comprehension of these procedures, continue to face dramatic declines in workplace production. Proudly serving in the United States military for more than 7 years, motivation is what drives soldiers to complete daily duties, and sometimes what may seem as impossible tasks. Our chosen leaders direct us with inspirational speeches and congratulate us with incentives for those worthy recipients. The outcome of these small yet important factors always leads to positive results within the military community.

Taking a look at the motivational chart, many theories have helped solidify one major concept. That concept is "constant positive production" within the workforce or military community. Breaking those individual theories down into subcategories and applying them properly enhances the main concept. Most importantly, it tends to boost individual achievements as well; giving those the sense of self empowerment leading to self gratification. As stated in the previous paragraph, drive is what propels us to new heights and great expectations; but without the proper format of goal setting between leaders and those carrying out the designated orders of the leaders; we all fail the assigned mission. Goal setting is pretty basic. It involves organization of structure, planning, strategizing, and finally the overall effectiveness of executing the desired plan. For example, a team of well trained marines must set these goals before each and every mission. During a pre-briefing the discussion of the mission occurs, the importance of the mission is stressed, and the outcome is predicted. Once all team members have a general idea of what is expected, next is assigning specific duties, and then thoroughly examining all parameters in every minute aspect. This helps to coordinate a high success rate. This is also applied to the civilian workforce in more ways than one.

A motivation strategy such as goal setting produces the capability to maximize the output