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Week 1: Motivational Concepts Analysis

Human Motivation
Mr. Gene Edwards
Week 1/Motivational Concepts Analysis
Frederick R. Paige III












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Sigmund Freuds Drive theory is believed that all behavior was motivated and the
purpose of that behavior was to satisfy a need. This theory is solely based on the needs of the
human body for motivation and not any other motivational factors. Other theorists believe that
human motivation factors are perplexed, complex and multifaceted. The theory of the New
Paradigm is an example of how human motivation is multifaceted and complex in which Pintrich
believes that motivation comes from cogitations, emotions and external events.
In workplaces today, we are faced with many challenges, adversities and situations in
which we must find a solution to a problem, find motivation to advance to the next step or
simply get through the day. One situation that I have found myself in in the workplace is being
in a position to get a promotion but also having others compete for that same promotion.
Working for the Marine Corps had many opportunities and chances for advancement and there
are many other Marines who were competing for the same promotions. In order to get promoted
there was a combination of test scores; which included, rifle scores, physical fitness test, and job
related written tests. These factors combined would determine if you would be able to reach the
next level in the promotion process. There were many reasons, which I wanted to get promoted;
money, pride and passion in the fact that I wanted to excel, seeing challenge as an opportunity,
and also planning for my future. According to Reeve Motivations new paradigm is one in
which behavior is energized and directed not by a single grand cause but, instead, by a multitude
of multilevel and coacting influences.
Freuds Drive Theory is one in which he believed that all behavior was motivated by
satisfaction of needs. In my instance of getting promoted, I did not need to get promoted nor was
it a satisfaction of my nervous system, which fulfilled a biological urge. My goal in getting
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promoted was various and vast and listed above. Reeve states. Drive therefore arose as a sort of
emergency warning system that action needed to be taken. Once initiated, such motivated
behavior continued until the drive or urge was satisfied. This concept would be more applicable
if there was a negative consequence for me not getting promoted. Also, if I had no choice
because I would be fired, thus the result of me not getting promoted would be detrimental to my
survival. Freuds theory would be applicable if the need for me to get promoted was based on
psychological health or psychological discomfort. The combinations of those things are
concepts related to the drive theory therefore; the energy buildup from the unchecked discomfort
from me not getting promoted would suffice for this theory alone.
Freuds drive theory would not be applicable in the decision making process of where to
work. Though it is necessary to have employment and a means of money, for most instances;
Freuds theory would not be applicable in the choice of where to work. Many people choose a
job or a career based on a number of aspects to include; training, education needs of the
company, interests and opportunity. Employers generally seek to hire the individual with the
most training and experience related to that job field to fulfill the companies position and help in
advancement of that company. Different motivational factors for choosing a job are determined
by the individual seeking employment. Whether that motivation be because they love the job or
because that specific job pays the most money. There is a freedom of choice for an individual to
choose employment.
I choose to work for the Marine Corps for various reasons. Some of my personal reasons
where money, a sense of belonging to something greater then myself, retirement benefits, and a
chance to travel the world. During my time in the Marine Corps I was able to travel to different
countries and experience different cultures. I was also able to build up a substantial amount of
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income for retirement and during that time I achieved the sense of belonging to something
greater than myself. These many choices and motivational factors are considered A New
Paradigm in which my motivation depended on a diversity of perspectives and concepts. Reeve
states. As these diverse ideas and methodologies from other fields are brought to bear on
motivational questions, it has become increasingly evident that human motivation and emotion
operate in a multilevel way. This facet multilevel motivation sustains how Freuds theory of
drive cannot work in a decisions making process. In this instance of choice, there is no
detrimental consequence for not choosing a place of employment; the only detrimental choice
would not be choosing work at all.
In choosing a new theoretical model of motivation in todays changing work
environment, I would choose theories which would allow multi facets of motivation and freedom
of choice. Because of todays changing work environments, people and technology are every
growing and choices are becoming broader. Different behaviors constitute different choices in
decision-making. Personality, cognitive thought, education, health, physiological development,
industry, and socialism make up a few aspects of an individuals response to decision-making.
Having a theory based on all of these aspects that would incorporate choice, decision-
making, education, and psychological development would not limit the scope of an individual
theory into one aspect. Because people have so many choices and motivational factors it is
imperative to broaden theories and not limit decision-making. People are evolving with
education and technology is ever evolving with people, therefore; it would not be relative to put
a limit on a theory in relation to motivation and decision-making.


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References
Reeve, J. (42). Understanding Motivation and Emotion (5th ed.). : John Wiley & Sons Inc.