Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University, Lyari Karachi

Diploma in Computer and Business Management Research Report on Motivational Theories For the Partial Fulfillment of Diploma in Computer and Business Management

Prepared by: Waseem Submitted to: Mr. Nisar Ahmed Chandio

Dated: 03 November 2012

MOTIVATIONAL THEORY
Motivation is defined as the process that initiates, guides and maintains goaloriented behaviors. Motivation is what causes us to act, whether it is getting a glass of water to reduce thirst or reading a book to gain knowledge. It involves the biological, emotional, social and cognitive forces that activate behavior. In everyday usage, the term motivation is frequently used to describe why a person does something. For example, you might say that a student is so motivated to get into a clinical psychologyprogram that she spends every night studying. Psychologists have proposed a number of different theories of motivation, including drive theory, instinct theory and humanistic theory. Components of Motivation: There are three major components to motivation: activation, persistence and intensity. Activation involves the decision to initiate a behavior, such as enrolling in a psychology class. Persistence is the continued effort toward a goal even though obstacles may exist, such as taking more psychology courses in order to earn a degree although it requires a significant investment of time, energy and resources. Finally, intensity can be seen in the concentration and vigor that goes into pursuing a goal. For example, one student might coast by without much effort, while another student will study regularly, participate in discussions and take advantage of research opportunities outside of class. Extrinsic Vs. Intrinsic Motivation: Different types of motivation are frequently described as being either extrinsic or intrinsic. Extrinsic motivations are those that arise from outside of the individual and often involve rewards such as trophies, money, social recognition or praise. Intrinsic motivations are those that arise from within the individual, such as doing a complicated cross-word puzzle purely for the personal gratification of solving a problem.

Theories of Motivation Incentive Theory of Motivation The incentive theory suggests that people are motivated to do things because of external rewards. For example, you might be motivated to go to work each day for the monetary reward of being paid. Behavioral learning concepts such as association and reinforcement play an important role in this theory of motivation. Drive Theory of Motivation According to the drive theory of motivation, people are motivated to take certain actions in order to reduce the internal tension that is caused by unmet needs. For example, you might be motivated to drink a glass of water in order to reduce the internal state of thirst. This theory is useful in explaining behaviors that have a strong biological component, such as hunger or thirst. The problem with the drive theory of motivation is that these behaviors are not always motivated purely by physiological needs. For example, people often eat even when they are not really hungry. Arousal Theory of Motivation The arousal theory of motivation suggests that people take certain actions to either decrease or increase levels of arousal. When arousal levels get too low, for example, a person might watch and exciting movie or go for a jog. When arousal levels get too high, on the other hand, a person would probably look for ways to relax such as meditating or reading a book. According to this theory, we are motivated to maintain an optimal level of arousal, although this level can vary based on the individual or the situation. Humanistic Theory of Motivation Humanistic theories of motivation are based on the idea that people also have strong cognitive reasons to perform various actions. This is famously illustrated in Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which presents different motivations at different levels. First, people are motivated to fulfill basic

biological needs for food and shelter, as well as those of safety, love and esteem. Once the lower level needs have been met, the primary motivator becomes the need for self-actualization, or the desire to fulfill one's individual potential. Being motivated is one of the key requirements for success in your studies. While at times you might not feel like studying, if you can identify and focus on the forces that are driving your desire to succeed, you will be well along the path to being motivated. FORMS/ EXAMPLES OF MOTIVATION: There are several different forms of motivation: internal; external; positive; negative. Various combinations of these can be brought together to help you achieve in your studies. The most successful form of motivation is both positive and internal.

Go to forms of motivations and reflect on how they relate to you Make a list all the forces that will help you to be a successful student Pin the finished list in a visible place

Internal Motivation The desire to be a successful student can arise from within. Here are some examples.

I'm determined to get a good education I'll have a secure future if I obtain a degree My family will be impressed when I graduate I'm sure to get promoted in the company quickly I really enjoy learning new things Studying is one of my most pleasant past-times I can contribute to this profession

Do any of these apply to you? Can you identify the internal forces that will help to motivate you? Write these down on your list and pin them in a visible place.

External Motivation Sometimes our desire to succeed is driven by external forces. Here are some examples:

My employer expects me to get a university degree before I get promoted I'll be disappointing my mother and father if I don't succeed at university All my friends have been to university If I want a successful career then I have to obtain a degree They will cut off my financial support if I don't succeed The community elders want people who are well educated as future leaders

Do any of these apply to you? Can you identify the external forces that will help to motivate you? Write these down on your list and pin them in a visible place. Positive Motivation Adopting a positive attitude towards the task of study will help to motivate you. Enhancing that positive attitude is a matter of identifying those motivating forces that you enjoy and like. Here are some examples.

I want to learn and understand more about that topic I have the ability to get a degree and I know I can do the work A university qualification will be really helpful for my future I enjoy studying new things My future income will be much greater when I graduate My results so far are okay but I can do better

Do any of these apply to you? Can you identify the positive forces that will help to motivate you? Write these down on your list and pin them in a visible place.

Negative Motivation Sometimes a fear of failure or other negative consequences can motivate you to study. These are stress-producing forces and should be minimized in favour of a positive attitude. Here are some examples.

My father will cut off my allowance if I don't study My mother will be really disappointed if I drop out If I fail my friends will think I'm stupid I'll never get a better job without a degree My girlfriend / boyfriend will be more qualified than I am

Do any of these apply to you? Can you identify the negative forces that will help to motivate you? Be aware of these forces but don't dwell on them and don't add them to your list. Focus instead on the positive, internal and external forces.