Motivation at Norsk Petroleum
Work Motivation
Motivation at Norsk Petroleum
SUBMITTED BY: S. L. REAMS
MGT302 :: Org. Behavior and Teamwork
Module 1 – Case Assignment
Trident University
22 July 2013
The word motivation is derived from the Latin word “movere” which means “to move” and it is defined as an internal drive that activates behavior and gives it direction. Motivational theory looks at the processes that activate and direct human behavior and it can be divided into two categories, content theory and process theory. Although no motivation theory is universally accepted both content and process theory can be applied to the Norsk Petroleum scenario. Content theory is focused on the internal factors that guide human beings, as opposed to process theory which is predominantly more relevant when referring to the external factors that guide people. (Romando, 2007)
Elizabeth Pettersen resigned from her position as petroleum engineer at Norsk petroleum to pursue a career with a smaller petroleum company where she would be leading two teams of three personnel. Elizabeth found her newly given responsibility to be very exciting. When McClellan’s motivational needs theory is applied to Elizabeth’s situation it can be seen that she is motivated predominantly by McClellan’s need for authority or power (n-pow) model. (Chapman, 2009) When Herzberg’s motivational theory is applied it can be shown that although Elizabeth did not necessarily experience any of the factors that would lead to dissatisfaction in her working environment, the desire to attain a greater sense of responsibility in her profession would ultimately outcome to greater satisfaction in her duties, therefore, motivating her to leave Norsk petroleum for her new company. (Chapman, nd) Ola Renamo’s situation is fundamentally different from that of Elizabeth Pedersen’s. In Renamo’s case his descesion to leave Norsk petroleum is based upon his desire to be closer to his family. According to Herzberg’s
Motivation at Norsk Petroleum
SUBMITTED BY: S. L. REAMS
MGT302 :: Org. Behavior and Teamwork
Module 1 – Case Assignment
Trident University
22 July 2013
The word motivation is derived from the Latin word “movere” which means “to move” and it is defined as an internal drive that activates behavior and gives it direction. Motivational theory looks at the processes that activate and direct human behavior and it can be divided into two categories, content theory and process theory. Although no motivation theory is universally accepted both content and process theory can be applied to the Norsk Petroleum scenario. Content theory is focused on the internal factors that guide human beings, as opposed to process theory which is predominantly more relevant when referring to the external factors that guide people. (Romando, 2007)
Elizabeth Pettersen resigned from her position as petroleum engineer at Norsk petroleum to pursue a career with a smaller petroleum company where she would be leading two teams of three personnel. Elizabeth found her newly given responsibility to be very exciting. When McClellan’s motivational needs theory is applied to Elizabeth’s situation it can be seen that she is motivated predominantly by McClellan’s need for authority or power (n-pow) model. (Chapman, 2009) When Herzberg’s motivational theory is applied it can be shown that although Elizabeth did not necessarily experience any of the factors that would lead to dissatisfaction in her working environment, the desire to attain a greater sense of responsibility in her profession would ultimately outcome to greater satisfaction in her duties, therefore, motivating her to leave Norsk petroleum for her new company. (Chapman, nd) Ola Renamo’s situation is fundamentally different from that of Elizabeth Pedersen’s. In Renamo’s case his descesion to leave Norsk petroleum is based upon his desire to be closer to his family. According to Herzberg’s
References: Chapman, A. (nd). Frederick Herzberg motivational theory. Retrieved August 18, 2013 at: http://www.businessballs.com/herzberg.htm Chapman, A. (2009). David c McClelland’s motivational needs theory. Retrieved August 10, 2013 at: http://www.businessballs.com/davidmcclelland.htm Chapman, A. (nd). Abraham Maslow 's Hierarchy of Needs motivational model. Retrieved July 27, 2010 at: http://www.businessballs.com/maslow.htm Romando, R. (2007). Motivation Theory. Retrieved August 10, 2013 at: http://ezinearticles.com/?Motivation-Theory&id=410700