Workplace Motivation and Productivity

Workplace Motivation and Productivity Management today, tends to be obsessed with employee motivation toward increased motivation and productivity. Companies have adopted numerous motivation philosophies over the last few decades, and many find the same productivity issues exist post-implementation. Psychologists have discovered that productivity in the workplace can be affected positively or negatively with the utilization of various motivational theories available today, dependent on how they are introduced. This paper will analyze workplace motivation and productivity within Ontario Power Generation (OPG), and discusses the impact of two motivation theories, the self-actualization theory, and achievement motivation, on employees and managers within the workplace.
Motivation and Productivity at OPG Ontario Power Generation has its fair share of employee motivation and productivity concerns. The company has made many glorious attempts to improve productivity, including re-organizational efforts, the implementation of extrinsic monetary rewards, and job redesign. The problems remain intact. They tried a recognition program and wellness programs in attempt to engage staff and coerce them towards increased production. Of course, when there is a culture of distrust and disrespect progress is not an easy task. Any effort that management made to implement change seemed to trigger employee resistance and reduce productivity. Employees are not resisting change, they truly want positive change, they yearn for change, growth, and a brighter outlook. What they are resisting is being forced to change. If employees do not understand the reasons for change, if they are not involved in the change and identify potential improvements to their own lives, and if they fail to realize that company success is dependent on its sustainability, they tend to resist the change efforts and failure occurs. There are many reasons for this failure, but the key problem is the current

References: Argyris, C. (2005). Employee motivation, the organizational environment, and productivity. Retrieved April 29, 2005 from http://www.accel-team.com/human_relations/hrels_06_mcclelland.html Benoit, Anthony. G., (2002, April 24). Emotion and motivation. Retrieved April 29, 2005 from Three Rivers Community College Web site: http://environmentalet.org/psy111/motimotion.htm Neill, J. (2003, October 14). Humanistic perspectives on personality. Retrieved April 29, 2005 from Three Rivers Community College Web site: http://www.wilderdom.com/personality/L10-2Humanistic.html Reeve, J. (2001). Understanding motivation and emotion. (3rd ed.). New York:John Wiley and Sons.