Bussiness Management - Studies of Motivation and Motivation Theory

Leading is another of the basic function within the management process; it involves influencing others toward the attainment of organizational objectives. Effective leading requires the manager to motivate subordinates, communicate effectively, and effectively use power. If managers are effective leaders, their subordinates will be enthusiastic about exerting effort toward the attainment of organizational objectives. To become effective at leading, managers must first understand their subordinates' personalities, values, attitudes, and emotions. Therefore, the behavioral sciences have made many contributions to the understanding of this function of management. Personality research and studies of job attitudes provide important information as to how managers can most effectively lead subordinates. There are three major components that make up the leading function:

• Motivation

• Leadership

• Communication

Studies of motivation and motivation theory provide important information about the ways in which workers can be energized to put forth productive effort. Studies of communication provide direction as to how managers can effectively and persuasively communicate. Studies of leadership and leadership style provide information regarding questions such as, "What makes a manager a good leader?" and "In what situations are certain leadership styles most appropriate and effective.

Motivation is the driving force by which humans achieve their goals. Employees are motivated my unmet needs and mangers must learn what those needs are and address them. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs suggests that people are motivated by:

• Physiological (food and water)

• Safety (physical and economic)

• Belongingness (friendship, love, and social interaction)

• Esteem (achievement and recognition)

• Self-Actualization (realizing your full potential)

Employees are also motivated by intrinsic or extrinsic rewards, intrinsic motivation refers to motivation that is driven by an interest or enjoyment in the task itself, and exists within the individual rather than relying on any external pressure. Extrinsic motivation comes from outside of the individual, common extrinsic motivations are rewards like a bonus or pay raise, company stocks, benefits, and promotions. Competition is in general extrinsic because it encourages the performer to win and beat others, not to enjoy the intrinsic rewards of the activity. To motivate employee's managers should take the following steps:

1. Start by asking employees what their needs are

2. Satisfy lower-order needs