The word motivation according to Richard Romando is gotten from the Latin phrase "movere", which means to move. Motivation is defined as an inner drive that activates performance and gives it direction. The term motivation theory is concerned with the process that explains why and how human behaviour is stimulated and directed. It is considered as one of the most significant areas of learning in the field of organizational behaviour.
Motivation according to Jim Riley is defined as the determination to work; this comes from the pleasure of the work itself and from the aspiration to achieve certain goals for example earn more money or achieve promotion.
Motivation can be seen as the bed rock for effective performance of workers on any assigned task or job in an organisation, these is the reason why people wants to work hard and work effectively for the business. In other words, motivation can easily be defined as those forces that incite or encourage a person to perform better or give his or her best. Motivation energises workers towards the assigned task in an organisation. Therefore for a worker to perform and work towards accomplishing goals for the organisation, he must be motivated.
Several motivational theories have been put together by management experts to support the need for effective motivation in an organisation. The most generally held analysis or presumptions are enumerated below. Though the following theories do not all arrive at the same conclusions; some of these theories are as follows;
Þ Abraham Maslow – Hierarchy of Needs.
Þ Douglas McGregor - Theory X And Y
Þ Fredrick Herzberg – Two Factor Theory
Þ Elton Mayor - Human Relation School of thought
Þ Fredrick Winslow Taylor - Theory of Scientific Management
Money as said is an important factor in motivating workers today, more so as the saying goes
References: ! Robin stuart kotze (ND) [online] Motivation theory: a reassessment of literature available at: http://www.managenmentlearning.com (assessed February 15th). ! Ken shah and prof J. shah (ND) [online] Theories of motivation: a reassessment of literature available at: http://www.laynetworks .com/theories-of-motivation. (assessed February 13th) ! Joseph E Gawel (1999) [online] Herzberg 's theory of motivation and Maslow hierarchy of needs: a reassessment of literature available at: http://www.pareonline.net/getvn?v=11 (assessed February 13th) ! Shameena Silva: (2009) [online] Motivational theories; understanding the content theories of motivation: a reassessment of literature available at: http://www.articlesbase.com/human.resources-article. (assessed February 13th) ! vittel1: (2008) [online] Different theories of motivation: a assessment of literature available at: http://www.oppapers.com (assessed February 13th) ! Richard Romando: (2007) [online] Motivation theory: a reassessment of literature available at: http://www.articleslash.net/self-immprovement/18690_motivation-theory.html(assessed February 13th) ! Ricky Ortan: (2009) [online] Theory of Motivation: a reassessment of literature available at: http://www.associatedcontent.com/articles/1911252/theory_of_motivation.htm (assessed February 14th) Books Dave. H, Jones R, Rafo. C, Andertain. A. business studies (2009) person education, Edinburgh England.