Because of my interest in positively influencing behavior change toward our relationship with the natural world, motivation is a paramount factor I need to understand in the Ecocity adoption process. I define motivation as the inherent or inspired ability to invoke a desirable behavior that is altruistically beneficial to self and others. I concur with motivation scholars Shah and Shah that, “The concept of motivation is situational and its level varies between different individuals and at different times” (p. 2).
Even though Maslow’s work has not produced much statistical research for its basis, it has spawned heuristic research. Most all of the articles in this week’s assigned readings address theories of motivation that are based on elements of Maslow’s hierarchy. This is the most important concept I gained from the readings, as it demonstrates that a good theory should inspire others to “think outside the box” and build upon/reform established research to come up with new and exciting ways to view the world.
Because of my desire to become a social marketer, Maslow’s theory is the most influential in my thinking and current setting. Authors Shah and Shah remind us that, “. . . if you want to motivate someone, you need to understand what level of hierarchy that person is on and focus on satisfying those needs. . .” (p. 9). This thought runs parallel with my desire to study cultures to fit the needs of potential adopters.
One element I would change is the way Maslow operationalizes the term “hierarchy.” Because I am a systems thinker, I do not completely agree with the ideal of “prepotency.” According to Gawel (1997) Maslow, “. . . theorized that a person could not recognize or pursue the next higher need in the hierarchy until her or his currently recognized need was substantially or completely satisfied" (Maslow's hierarchy of needs section, para. 1). I see motivation from unfulfilled needs as important, but I also know that one can shift between needs without necessarily “fulfilling” the needs of a previous rung. All of the needs—physiological, safety, social, esteem, self-actualization—are all important elements to our cultural survival and important in our civil system.
Communication scholar Kiel (1999) offers a modernization of Maslow’s hierarchy that I completely agree with. She suggests that,” . . . in today's world, a closed triangle is not a valid representation. Instead, an open, wide faced structure is needed to better reflect that self actualization is never ending" (p. 1). I intend to apply this outlook as positive self-fulfilling prophecy for improving my communication, leadership, and motivational skills in the contemporary business world. If we were cultivated to be “limitless,” how far could be go? I believe all levels of the hierarchy need to be offered in an exceptional workplace, but the possibility for endless self-actualization, as long as it is for the good of society and the business, should warrant the most profitability. I believe all leaders should understand this to become successful motivators in the 21st century.
Another element necessary to become an effective leader is to understand cultural diversity. When motivating others from global or multi-cultural organizations, the notion of “self-actualization” must be looked at through a cultural lens. According to NetNBA, self-actualized people possess qualities such as wisdom, truth, and justice and these characteristics are defined differently to by diverse cultures (2007). Forcing others to pursue goals that are not significant in their lives can become an ethical consideration.
As with most theories, modernization is needed to ensure that the theories are relevant to current situations and times.
Gawel, J. (1997). Herzberg's theory of motivation and Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
Practical Assessment, Research & Evaluation, 5(11). Retrieved June 4, 2007, from http://pareonline.net/getvn.asp?v=5&n=11
Hamilton, Cheryl (2008). Communicating for results: A guide for business and
professions. (8th). Belmont: CA: Wadsworth
Kiel, M. (1999). Reshaping Maslow's hierarchy of needs to reflect today's educational
and managerial philosophies. Journal of Instructional Psychology, 26(3), 167-168.
NetMBA. (2007). Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Retrieved February 28, 2009, from
http://www.netmba.com/mgmt/ob/motivation/maslow/
Shah, K. & Shah, P. (2008.) Motivation. Retrieved February 28, 2009, from
http://www.laynetworks.com/Motivation.htm
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I just wanted to chime in on two quick points.
ReplyDelete1.) I do not agree with the concept of prepotency either. I believe you can jump aroudn the heirarchy across multiple needs and even within the same one. Just because you hit one level of the "step" doesn't mean it will stay there or that you were on the imediately preceeding step to begin with.
2.) Altruism is a tricky component to add your definition of motivation. Triggering action from people is rarely an altruistic act. Your desire to convince them has SOME benefit to you and you must convince that there will be SOME benefit for them by taking a the desired action. I think that if some one is going to to do something altruistically, that is done internally. Do any of the theories we read address the concept of altruism in motivation?
I think that is a really interesting component, but a hard one to validate.
- Dave
Hi, Dave! No, none of the theories mention altruism...but it's a personal definition of motivation and that's the way I strive to live my life. I would not promote/try to motive anyone to do anything that I would not do/believe in myself. (Notice I add "self and others" to the definition.) To me, mutual benefit does not have to sacrifice personal gain - emotional, spiritual, economical, etc. It's synergy - where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, but the individual is still a part of the whole. (Without veins, what good would a great heart be?) My operational definition of altruism may not be exactly the same as yours...if I am true to my Self in my actions and with my life's work, then it will be altruistic because I have a collective mind-set. Thanks for the comment!
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