Motivation Profiles
Human motivation comprises three dominant needs: the need for achievement, the need for power, and the need for affiliation. (Wikipedia, 14 September 2005) Those who have the need for achievement can typically be categorized as entrepreneurs. They are encouraged by their independence and the desire to be effective or challenged. These individuals necessitate a need for power and prefer to be in control either socially or personally. Most corporate leaders fall into this category. Others who have a need for affiliation tend to perform well on teams but are not effective leaders since these folks require consistent approval. This paper will hypothesize differences between four individuals who are attempting to obtain a promotion. Ella, who coincides with a biological theory of motivation; Marcelo, who abides by a psychosocial theory of motivation; Masako, who follows an interactionist theory of motivation, and in conclusion Sam, who is motivated by all threes theories. In addition, this paper will speculate on their source of motivation based on the assumptions above. Then explain the main ways in which their sources of motivation and types of effort they would put forth differ from one to another.
Because Ella coincides with a biological theory of motivation she is driven by her will to survive. According to Maslow's hierarchy of motives, Ella is at the bottom of the pyramid. Therefore, Ella is motivated by the fear or incapability of providing for herself and possibly her family. "Maslow's hierarchy can be used to describe the kinds of information that individual's seek at different levels. For example, individuals at the lowest level seek coping information in order to meet their basic needs." (Huitt, 2001). The inability to supply the bear necessities is what drives her and is her fundamental concern. At one point in her life, she may have been poverty-stricken because her father or mother lost his or her employment, which is what triggers her biological...
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