My response to a few who were arguing opposing theses on Motivation
I haven't earned a doctorate based on a doctoral thesis, nor have I had formal training in human behavior and "motivation". However, I have done quite a lot of observing of my own and others' behavior. From what I have experienced, true motivation is inherent within each person. I think that the writer of the article may, indeed, have been referring to the fact that everyone has intrinsic "motives". And let's face it, we are all motivated on some level, toward self; our own self fulfillment, self satisfaction, self justification etc., even when we think we are being altruistic.
Everything we do is based on internal motive. Motive is quite literally something that moves a person. It is deep-seated, and almost imperceptible - sometimes even to the individual. A person is then induced to move ("motivated") toward a goal or end result by whatever may satisfy the deeper need that must be quenched. The need(s) which is a basis for their personal motives.
When we say that a person is "unmotivated", what that really means is that they are not motivated to move in such a way as to produce the result that we have decided is the result and movement we want or expect from them. It makes us uncomfortable, even angry with a person we perceive as unmotivated, or who seemingly will just not get with the program.
Everyone is motivated, but the motivation is toward our own personal goal(s). Through internal, and albeit, complicated filters of personality, familial experience, and life experience each person develops internal receptors (or triggers) to embrace or reject outside motivators. From this perspective - and that is just what it boils down to - one's personal perspective, we can explain why some are motivated by a particular type of work environment, while others are repelled.
Our efforts to motivate others will undoubtedly hit on many individuals' trigger to embrace our ideals and methods, while still others will reject our approach to those actions we believe will produce success (and again, success itself is defined individually). Those who reject our efforts are not necessarily unmotivated. We simply haven't found their motivating factor (which was mentioned earlier).
When we find ourselves diabolically opposed to an organization's method for motivating, we can enter a conversation and attempt to influence a change in an effort to include a diversity of mind-styles, learning styles, and personality styles or we can seek out an organization that does (perhaps that means going out on our own).
Any thoughts from those of you who are far more educated than myself?
Recent Comments
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The debate (which was heated at times) was on LinkedIn. I'm sorry the link would not work for non members of LinkedIn.
Forward movement is largely from within, although the Military and some spouses might disagree. Love your use of "diabolically" ~ I can think of many situations where I could use it to good effect. I appreciate your well thought out piece. Larry