Motivating Human Resource

  • Post last modified:12 May 2023
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  • Reading time:17 mins read
  • Post category:Human Resource

What is Motivating Human Resource?

Motivating human resources is the process of creating a work environment and culture that encourages employees to give their best effort and perform at a high level. It involves using various strategies and techniques to inspire employees to work towards achieving the organization’s goals and objectives.

An unsatisfied need becomes the motive for a person to spend his energy in order to achieve a goal. In a business organization the 4 P‘s -praise, prestige, promotion and pay are the best positive motivators.


Definitions of Motivation

The act of stimulating someone or oneself to get a desired course of action.Michael J Juicus
Motivation is the work a manager performs to inspire, encourage and impel people to take required action. Lewis Alien
Motivation refers to the way in which urges, drives, desires, aspirations, striving or needs direct, control or explain the behaviour of human beings.Dalian E McFarland

Nature and Characteristics of Motivation

Psychologists generally agree that all behaviour is motivated, and that people have reasons for doing the things they do or for behaving in the manner that they do. Motivating is the work a manager performs to inspire, encourage and impel people to take required action.

The process of motivation is characterised by the following:-

  1. Motivation is an Internal Feeling
  2. Motivation is Related to Needs
  3. Motivation Produces Goal-directed Behaviour
  4. Motivation can be Positive or Negative

Motivation is an Internal Feeling

Motivation is a psychological phenomenon, which generates in the mind of an individual the feeling that he lacks certain things and needs those things. Motivation is a force within an individual that drives him to behave in a certain way.

Motivation is Related to Needs

Needs are deficiencies, which are created whenever there is a physiological or psychological imbalance. In order to motivate a person, we have to understand his needs that call for satisfaction.

Motivation Produces Goal-directed Behaviour

A goal is anything, which will alleviate a need and reduce a drive. An individual‘s behaviour is directed towards a goal.

Motivation can be Positive or Negative

Positive or incentive motivation is generally based on reward. According to Flippo, Positive motivation is a process of attempting to influence others to do your will through the possibility of gain or reward. Negative or fear motivation is based on force and fear. Fear causes persons to act in a certain way because they are afraid of the consequences.


Importance and Benefits of Motivation

A manager‘s primary task is to motivate others to perform the tasks of the organization. Therefore, the manager must find the keys to get subordinates to come to work regularly and on time, to work hard, and to make positive contributions towards the effective and efficient achievement of organizational objectives.

Motivation is an effective instrument in the hands of a manager for inspiring the work force and creating confidence in it. By motivating the work force, management creates will to work‖ which is necessary for the achievement of organizational goals.

The various benefits of motivation are:-

  • Motivation is one of the important elements in the directing process. By motivating the workers, a manager directs or guides the workers‘ actions in the desired direction for accomplishing the goals of the organization.

  • Workers will tend to be as efficient as possible by improving upon their skills and knowledge so that they are able to contribute-to the progress of the organization thereby increasing productivity.

  • For performing any tasks, two things are necessary. They are (i) ability to work and (ii) willingness to work. Without willingness to work. Ability to work is of no use. The willingness to work can be created only by motivation.

  • Organizational effectiveness becomes to some degree a question of management‘s ability to motivate its employees, to direct at least a reasonable effort towards the goals of the organization.

  • Motivation contributes to good industrial relations in the organization. When the workers are motivated, contented and disciplined, the frictions between the workers and the management will be reduced.

  • Motivation is the best remedy for resistance to changes. When changes are introduced in an organization, generally, there will be resistance from the workers. However, if the workers of an organization are motivated, they will accept, introduce and implement the changes wholeheartedly and help to keep the organization on the right track of progress.

  • Motivation facilitates the maximum utilisation of all factors of production, human, physical and financial resources and thereby contributes to higher production.

  • Motivation promotes a sense of belonging among the workers. The workers feel that the enterprise belongs to them and the interests of the enterprise are their interests.

  • Many organizations are now beginning to pay increasing attention to developing their employees as future resources upon which they can draw as they grow and develop. People perform at their best when they are inspired and motivated. These people care to do things right and deliver well. Studies show that people are more likely to climb up the corporate ladder or succeed in any venture when they are motivated and inspired.


    These two elements are proven to bring out the best in people. People may be inspired and motivated by both tangible and intangible things. In the corporate world, they usually inspire employees through monetary rewards, promotions and praises. As a result, their employees feel good about their job and feel that they are valuable members of the company.

The power of motivation and inspiration cannot be underestimated. Here are some tips that can motivate and inspire people:-

  • People need motivation when they feel that they are about to lose their jobs because of the company‘s instability. Letting them know that their employment is secure saves them from worrying and feeling unsure about the organization. This will bring their focus back and will motivate them to contribute in order for the company to succeed.

  • Motivate people by trusting them. People are generally responsible and inspired when being told about projects instead of systematic procedures they have to follow strictly to complete the task. Trust people to do things right and expect more innovation, more initiative and ownership.

  • Inspire people with success stories. Many leaders use this tool to motivate people in driving for excellence that will take them to the next level of their employment. When people are presented with potential advancement, they are more likely to work on it.

  • On personal issues, people desperately need motivation and inspiration when they are down. These kinds of people lose the ability to see the good side and resort to self-pity. Encouraging words from their loved ones and friends can make a whole difference in their lives. They can also get inspiring words from religious groups that will surely help to get them back on track.

  • People who would like to do a life-changing task or event also need inspiration and motivation. Example, obese people who are desperately in need of help to lose weight and get their lives on track, need somebody or something to fire up their desire in reducing their dress size.

  • People who are constantly depressed and simply cannot see the bright side of life must be inspired too, in order to attain happiness and confidence. This will teach them how to get rid of negative thoughts and ultimately regain control of their lives.

  • Personal relationships also need motivation and inspiration to last. People stay together because they have motivating factors in continuing their relationships (ex. Love, appreciation, companionship, etc.)

  • Motivation and inspiration are scarce commodities in today‘s society. More and more people lose the drive to perform better at home, in school, or in their jobs. As a result, talents are wasted. Don‘t be one of them. People who believe in themselves, make impossible things possible, and believe that they can move mountains are always the ones who get the most out of life. Be one of them.

Types of Motivation

If a manager wants to get work done by his employees, either he may hold out a promise of a reward (positive motivation) or he may instil fear (negative motivation). Both these types are widely used by managements.

  1. Positive or Incentive Motivation
  2. Negative or Fear Motivation
  3. Achievement Motivation
  4. Affiliation Motivation
  5. Competence Motivation
  6. Power Motivation
  7. Attitude Motivation

Positive or Incentive Motivation

This type of motivation is generally based on reward. A positive motivation involves the possibility of increased motive satisfaction.

According to Flippo, Positive motivation is a process of attempting to influence others to do your will through the possibility of gain or reward‖. Incentive motivation is the pull‖ mechanism. The receipt of awards, due recognition and praise for work well done definitely lead to good team spirit, co-operation and a feeling of happiness.

Positive motivation includes the praise and credit for work done, wages and salaries, appreciation, sincere interest in subordinates as individuals, delegation of authority and responsibility.

Negative or Fear Motivation

This type of motivation is based on force and fear. Fear causes persons to act in a certain way because they fear the consequences. Negative motivation involves the possibility of decreased motive satisfaction. It is a push‖ mechanism.

The imposition of punishment frequently results in frustration among those punished, leading to the development of maladaptive behaviour. It also creates a hostile state of mind and an unfavourable attitude to the job. However, there is no management, which has not used the negative motivation some time or the other.

Achievement Motivation

It is the drive to pursue and attain goals. An individual with achievement motivation wishes to achieve objectives and advance up on the ladder of success. Here, accomplishment is important for its own shake and not for the rewards that accompany it. It is similar to ‗Kaizen‘ approach of Japanese Management.

Affiliation Motivation

It is a drive to relate to people on a social basis. Persons with affiliation motivation perform work better when they are complimented for their favourable attitudes and co-operation.

Competence Motivation

It is the drive to be good at something, allowing the individual to perform high quality work. Competence motivated people seek job mastery, take pride in developing and using their problem-solving skills and strive to be creative when confronted with obstacles. They learn from their experience.

Power Motivation

It is the drive to influence people and change situations. Power motivated people wish to create an impact on their organization and are willing to take risks to do so.

Attitude Motivation

Attitude motivation is how people think and feel. It is their self-confidence, their belief in them and their attitude to life. It is how they feel about the future and how they react to the past.


Theories of Motivation

There are several theories of motivation that have been developed over time to explain why people behave in certain ways and what drives them to achieve their goals. Here are some of the most influential theories of motivation:

  1. Mcgregor’s Theory X and Theory Y
  2. Maslow’s Need Hierarchy Theory of Motivation
  3. Herzberg’s Theory of Motivation
  4.  Victor Vroom’s Expectancy Theory

FAQ

What is Motivation?

The act of stimulating someone or oneself to get a desired course of action.Michael J Juicus

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