Work motivation / learning motivation

Definition of work motivation

Motivation encompasses all of the circumstances in and around people that induce them to behave in a certain way. The one deals with it Motivational researchwhich, however, does not uniformly define the concept of motivation. Depending on the type of activity, a distinction can be made between work motivation and learning motivation.

Types of motivation that influence the work performance of employees are:

Inner motivation

Inner motivation, e.g. B. due to motives lying in the person, e.g. B. Achievement, learning, profiling, money and competence motives. It can be controlled through attitude, will and personal goals.

External motivation

External motivation, e.g. B. via incentives from the manager, e.g. B. as encouragement, work, realization, advancement, development, remuneration, status, and social benefit incentives that represent suggestions and influence behavior. These incentives are management tools.

It is sometimes difficult to determine whether a person's motivation develops from within or whether it was triggered externally. An internal motivation is usually more sustained than an externally controlled motivation.

Motivation is closely linked to the leadership of employees by the superior. The performance-related behavior is important here, which is particularly evident in the case of employees when they know that their behavior is being assessed in a measurable way. Other management tools of the superior are also important for motivation, e.g. B. Objectives or assessments. Influences from private or company groups must also be taken into account.