Essay Sample on Work and Motivation

Considering today’s scenario of a fast paced lifestyle, skyrocketing expenses and the constant struggle for a decent survival, money seems to be the only answer and the only driving force. The sole aim of education is to provide a sense of independence to an individual, but independence in the present context is not limited to making one’s own decisions or solving mortal problems- it largely relates to the monetary capacity of a person and the ability to sustain himself and his family with regard to materialistic comforts and needs.

What motivates a person to frantically look for employment, bear the brunt of bosses and stick to a boring job that requires long working hours and exhausting responsibilities? Most often the factor involved is the money! Although some people may have professional or personal interests in a particular job profile, the “M-factor” tops the list of priorities.

Contemporary authors have defined the concept of motivation in many different ways. Motivation has been defined as: the psychological process that gives behavior purpose and direction , a predisposition to behave in a purposive manner to achieve specific, unmet needs and an internal drive to satisfy an unsatisfied need . Lindner describes motivation as the inner force that drives individuals to accomplish personal and organizational goals.

For effective and smooth functioning of any organization (big or small), it is necessary that each employee is motivated enough to satisfy his/ her job responsibilities. Motivated employees are more productive and diligent because they are confident that their hard work and efforts will reap them fair remuneration and a handsome salary and cash bonus is always appreciated!

Motivation is in actuality a result oriented phenomenon based on the reward system . Favorable rewards and returns undoubtedly induce a positive effect on the efforts and efficacy of an individual. As a result, employees tend to repeat behaviors that produce a positive outcome and avoid those which have produced a negative outcome in their experience . It is also stipulated that motivation factors change in priority as an individual scales up the career ladder and reaches a point when monetary aspects gradually lose importance and are succeeded by professional and creative satisfaction . This research further supports the fact that monetary factors are of primary concern to any worker and that other requirements like job satisfaction , creativity come into play only after the primary need is successfully met.