Table of Contents
Human behavior is a wide-range of actions demonstrated by humans prejudiced 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 adequate, and others are considered 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 universal term in a sense, where it defines the effects of the ordinary behavior of an individual.
There are many methods of motivation and emotions: cognitive, behavioral, physiological, and social; however, motivation is a vital 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).
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Motivation Study
Countless psychologists have studied this subject over the past few eras, and he or she has observed the highs and lows in three areas of thinking: will, instinct, and drive. Each concept is greatly recognized, but no new evidence has developed over the years, which restricted the study for additional progress. Ultimately, each concept was substituted by new ideas and launched motivation study into a new time. Reeves calls 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 certainty that humans work best and are happier when they feel in control of their own lives. The SDT represents a wider context in the study of human motivation. The study supports human’s ordinary or intrinsic trends to behave in vigorous and effective ways.
The concept of self-determination is more concerned with the motivation behind the selections people make without the contribution 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 psychologists for his contribution to 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 modern motivation theory that discriminates between self-governing and well-ordered forms of motivation. The SDT has been applied to expected behavior, and educate behavior in many settings including education, business, health care, parenting, and sports just to name a few. This theory is fascinating in the sense because it is generally used in corporate business.
Personal Experience
On a personal note, self-determination is a needed characteristic to enjoy when working in a professional atmosphere. It is almost impossible for a person to survive in management when self-determination is vague from the position of leadership. Over the past several years working for a well-known pharmacy has installed an essential desire to become more and more self-determined to prosper within the levels 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 inner whisper grew louder, louder as time passed insisting that I do more with my life.
A reflection of a dysfunctional childhood was reduced to an excuse. I could no longer contradict the internal motivation of self-determination. Unimaginable circumstances brought me to a new occupancy in which development and success existed. I can honestly acknowledge that the self-determine was the driving force behind the progress I have made in life. CVS Pharmacy provided a prospect of growth, which I took full advantage of and worked my way up from a cashier to a position of management in a brief period.
Workplace Situations
The self-determination theory can be functional to many workplace situations, but the assignment requires descriptive on a few. Motivation is a concept; there are many types of motivation. Motivation can be taken separately in many ways, but when motivation is taken apart it would practically always include two main types: intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Regarding the intrinsic aspect of motivation, the person is doing an activity simply because he or she enjoys doing so. On the other hand, the extrinsic aspect of motivation is a person is doing an activity expecting a reward at its completion (Davies, 2009).
Working in a business that is customer service oriented, CVS pursues out individuals willing to show intrinsic behavior. This behavior is more necessary in efforts to please its customers. Over the past era companies have prolonged customer service experience surveys in an effort to expand services for the 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 initial stages of working for the company, I personally did not demonstrate signs of intrinsic behavior; it was not until I was presented the opportunity of improvement. 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 matters 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 highest acknowledgments to possess. The motivation one chooses as driving the force of self-determination is special. 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 nourishing individual needs, wants, and desires.
