Motivation Concepts Paper

Motivation Concepts Analysis
Udonna M. Newton
PSY/320
April 10, 2012
Professor: Marilyn Parker

Motivation Concepts Analysis
Human behavior is a wide-range of behaviors displayed by humans influenced by many factors; cultures, attitudes, values, emotions, ethnicity, and a host of other attributes. Some human behaviors are more common than others, some are considered usual, some are unusual, some are acceptable, and others are deemed unacceptable, to say the least. The question to ask what motivates humans to behave differently; this subject has been studied by many psychologists throughout the years (Reeve, 2009).
Collins dictionary defines motivation: as the act or instance of motivating, desire to do so; interest or drive, and the process that arouses, sustains and regulates human and animal behavior (Collins, 2012). Foremost, motivation is a general term in a sense, where it describes the effects of the natural behavior of an individual. There are many approaches to motivation and emotions: cognitive, behavioral, physiological, and social; however, motivation is the key element in setting and reaching individual goals. The purpose of this assignment will give an analysis of two workplace situations using a theory chosen from the “Motivation Concepts Table” describing how the theory would not be applicable from a personal point of view (University of Phoenix, 2012).
Motivation Study
Countless psychologists have studied this subject over the past few decades, and him or her have witness the highs and lows in three areas of thinking: will, instinct, and drive. Each concept is greatly accepted, but no new information has emerged over the years, which limited the study for further progress. Ultimately, each concept was replaced by new ideas and launched motivation study into a new era. Reeves call it the “crisis stage.” which describes the transition from the drive theory to the current mini-theories era that has consequences both good and bad (Reeve, 2009).

Self-determination Theory
Self-determination theory (SDT) is rooted in the belief that humans work best and are happier when they feel in control of their own lives. The SDT represents an extensive context in the study of human motivation. The study supports human’s natural or intrinsic trends to behave in healthy and effective ways. The concept of self-determination is more concerned with the motivation behind the choices people make without the involvement of external factors, and it analyzes to what degree an individual’s behavior is self-motivated. Edward Deci is a professor of Psychology and Social Science at the University of Rochester, and the director of the university’s human motivation program. Deci is well known among psychologist for his contribution in the theories of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and basic psychology needs Deci and Richard Ryan both have been credited for co-founding the self-determination theory (Rochester, 2012). The macro theory is a contemporary motivation theory that differentiates between self-governing and well-ordered forms of motivation. The SDT has been applied to predict behavior, and instruct behavior in many settings including: education, business, health care, parenting, and sports just to name a few. This theory is captivating in the sense because it is widely used in corporate business
Personal Experience
On a personal note, self-determination is a desirable attribute to possess when working in a professional atmosphere. It is almost impossible for a person to survive in management when self-determination is absent from position of leadership. Over the past several years working for a well-known pharmacy has installed an innate desire to become more and more self-determined to succeed within the ranks of upper management. This self-determination is why I decided to attend college and encouraged many of my peers to do the same. That quiet internal whisper grew louder, louder as time passed insisting that I do more with my life. A reflection of a dysfunctional childhood was diminished to an excuse. I could no longer deny the internal motivation of self-determination. Unimaginable circumstance brought me to a new habitation in which growth and prosperity existed. I can honestly admit that the self-determine was the driving force behind the progress I have made in life. CVS Pharmacy provided an opportunity of growth, which I took full advantage of and worked my way up from a cashier to a position of management in a short period.
Workplace Situations
The self-determination theory can be applied to many workplace situations, but the assignment requires expounding on a few. Motivation is a concept; there are many types of motivation. Motivation can be taken apart in many ways, but when motivation is taken apart it would practically always include two main types: intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Concerning the intrinsic aspect of motivation the person is doing an activity simply because he or she enjoy do so. On the hand, the extrinsic aspect of motivation is a person is doing an activity expecting a reward at its completion (Davies, 2009).
Working in an industry that-is customer service oriented, CVS seek out individuals willing to display intrinsic behavior. This behavior is more desirable in efforts to please its customers. Over the past decade companies have extended customer service experience surveys in an effort to improve services for customer more effectively. However, intrinsic behavior is not commonly displayed, but people can witness this behavior more in children because everything a child does is done mainly out of curiosity or plain fun as children go through cognitive stages of development. In the early stages working for the company, I personally did not display signs of intrinsic behavior; it was not until I was offered the opportunity of advancement. The idea of working for pure enjoyment had never crossed my mind. I believed I was programmed to work for the monetary reward and nothing else matter more. The extrinsic aspect of motivation is appealing to most because receiving rewards or benefits makes the activity attractive (Davies, 2009).
Conclusion
In conclusion, self-determination is one of the greatest attributions to possess. The motivation one chooses as driving the force of self-determination is personal. A person can choose an intrinsic approach for enjoyment or choose an extrinsic approach seeking the benefits of a reward. Motivation is a choice of the individual. The key elements to understanding human motivation rest with the idea that behavior is motivated with a purpose in satisfying individual needs, wants, and desires.

References
Collins, B. (2012). English Dictionary. Retrieved from http://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/motivation
Davies, W. (2009, April). Motivation. Retrieved from http://generallythinking.com/self-determination-theory-finding-the-right-kind-of-motivation-2/
Reeve, J. (2009). Understanding motivation and emotion (5th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
Rochester, U. (2012). Survey of Research Grows from Deci-Ryan Groundbreaking Work. Retrieved from http://www.rochester.edu/news/show.php?id=425
University of Phoenix. (2012). Retrieved from http://classroom.phoenix.edu/afm215/secure/view-thread.jspa?threadID=42027210

References: Collins, B. (2012). English Dictionary. Retrieved from http://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/motivation Davies, W. (2009, April). Motivation. Retrieved from http://generallythinking.com/self-determination-theory-finding-the-right-kind-of-motivation-2/ Reeve, J. (2009). Understanding motivation and emotion (5th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Rochester, U. (2012). Survey of Research Grows from Deci-Ryan Groundbreaking Work. Retrieved from http://www.rochester.edu/news/show.php?id=425 University of Phoenix. (2012). Retrieved from http://classroom.phoenix.edu/afm215/secure/view-thread.jspa?threadID=42027210