HURM07001: Employee Motivation and Influencing Factors Analysis

This report provides an overview of motivation and the various factors that influence employee motivation within an organization. It discusses different types of motivation, including intrinsic and extrinsic, and explores theories like Maslow's hierarchy of needs and Herzberg's two-factor theory. The report identifies key factors such as rewards and recognition, development opportunities, leadership styles, work-life balance, work environment, and relationships with co-workers, examining their positive and negative impacts on employee motivation. Additionally, it includes a reflective essay detailing the skills gained, understanding of the subject matter, class participation, and personal growth as an independent learner. The report concludes by emphasizing the importance of addressing these factors to enhance employee performance and overall organizational efficiency. This resource is contributed by a student and available on Desklib, which provides a platform for accessing various study materials.

Motivation and the factors
that influence employee
motivation
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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY..................................................................................................................................3
REFLECTIVE ESSAY................................................................................................................6
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................9
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INTRODUCTION
Every employee working in organisation needs to be motivated so that it improves his or her
performance. Also, it encourages them to work in effective way and fulfil their needs. Without
motivation it becomes difficult for staff to work (Baljoon, Banjar and Banakhar 2018).
Moreover, there are various types of motivation such as extrinsic, intrinsic, power, fear, etc.
which is used by organisation to motivate. It depends on needs of employees. There are different
theories of motivation such as Maslow, Hertzberg, etc. which is applied to encourage them.
The report will discuss about motivation and what are factors which influence employee
motivation.
MAIN BODY
Usually, motivation is work that is derived from word motive. It means needs, wants, etc.
within individuals. Motivation is process of inspiring people to perform actions in order to attain
their goals and objectives. Alongside, it involves social, cognitive, emotional and biological
forces which influence or drive behaviour of individual (Diamantidis and Chatzoglou 2019).
However, in context of organisation motivation means drive employee behaviour for desire for
money. Similarly, companies also motivate staff in order to enhance their performance. This also
enable in attaining of goals and objectives. The firm encourage them from time to time so that
their productivity level is maintained. Moreover, there are 2 common types of motivation which
is applied by companies to encourage employees. They are mentioned as below :
Intrinsic- it is a type of motivation which arise from self generated behaviour. This is not
generated by external factors. The motivation works when individual feel that his or her work is
important at workplace. In addition, it provides them a degree of autonomy, opportunities, etc. to
develop skills and abilities. For example- achievement, recognition, love, etc. This type of
motivation is used for long term.
Extrinsic – This type of motivation occurs when things are done to encourage employees. It
means that rewards, benefits, praise, promotion, etc. are done in order to motivate staff. This type
of motivation is usually used for short term as it does not have a long term impact (Gagné and
Hosszu 2019).
Characteristics of motivation
 It is a psychological phenomenon- this means that motivation is inner desire of individual
to attain more by high performance.
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 It is continuous process- It is never ending process until the needs are met or individual
is satisfied with their desire.
 Motivation varies from time to time- The process is different in different people and it
also varies from to time. This is because the needs and desires of each individual differs
from one another.
 Motivation can be positive or negative – there are two types of motivation that is positive
and negative. The positive is based in rewards and incentives whereas negative is based
on fear, loss of job, etc.
Factors that influence employee motivation
Every organisation makes a lot of efforts to encourage employee. The main purpose
behind is to enhance their productivity so that overall organisation performance is increased.
Also, it enables in creating a positive culture as well (Gopalan and Mat 2017). This results in
changing their attitude and perception towards work in positive way. Moreover, there are
different factors which can highly influence on employee motivation. The factors differ from
company to company and also from individual to individual. There is a great influence of factors
on employee motivation. This means either it can be positive or negative. It entirely depends on
their perception and needs and desires (5 factors that affect employee motivation, 2019). Apart
from it, factors vary from time to time. Thus, they are explained as below :
Reward and recognition – It is most common factor which influence employee motivation. As
reward and recognition comes from hand in hand. This is because recognition for doing good
work means to praise staff. So, when employees are not recognised for their work then it highly
influence on their motivation in negative way. But on contrary if they are recognised for their
achievement and work then they get highly motivated automatically. In similar way, rewards can
also influence in same way. By giving huge rewards and benefits to employees it motivate them
to put extra efforts to attain goals. They get motivated to perform their roles in effective way.
There is positive change in their behaviour which leads to creating positive culture as well. On
contrary when no rewards are given to them then it influence on their motivation in negative way
(Kuvaas and Nerstad 2017).
Development – It is also a crucial factor which influence employee behaviour. This is important
for staff as their main need is to grow and develop in their career. Also, they want continuous
career growth opportunities which keep them motivated to achieve them. Through development,
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employee gain skills and knowledge thus, they become self dependent in their career and work
with efficiency. Development also allows staff to put more efforts in their performance. In order
to achieve career growth opportunities they progress towards it. Hence, when an organisation
invests in their employees, it results in loyalty, retention and motivation. The employees
appreciate and value when managers take a genuine interest in their development; it shows that
organisation believes in them and wants them to progress within company. Moreover,
development inspires employees to work hard so as not to let down the organization.
Leadership – It is also a factor which influence employee motivation. This is because leader is
required to continuously motivate staff and their work (Muchtar 2017). They must appraise their
performance so that employee value is created. Moreover, a good leader must possess relevant
skills and abilities to encourage staff. This inspire them to put more efforts. Hence, they
automatically get motivated if leader gives credit to their work. Besides, staff also likes to work
with leader who is highly capable enough to lead team and encourage them.
Work life balance – this factor influence motivation as it is essential for staff to maintain
balance between personal and professional life. This is because providing a good work life
balance nurtures employees. So, staff who remain encourage do not take leaves. They like to
come to organization and work. Whilst motivated employees go beyond for the company,
wanting to do their best, Furthermore, they also encourage other staff by solving their problems
and maintain relation with them. On other hand, staff who is not having a balance work life gets
frustrated with their job. They take frequent leaves and does not like to come to workplace. As
an organisation, it is important to ensure that employees are working reasonable hours and are
combining work with activities that promote health and well being.
Work environment – here, it is necessary for organisation to provide a positive work
environment for staff. In this it includes both physical and non physical environment (PAAIS
and PATTIRUHU 2020). The physical consist of office space, surroundings, etc. whereas non
physical is culture of company. It is because the positive environment drives production,
promote creativity and increase motivation. Therefore, having a positive environment will
automatically boost staff morale. It will inspire them to do their best for company and achieve
goals. However, positive culture also led to effective communication. It enhance employee
productivity. But when environment is negative it results in impacting on employee motivation
in negative way. The staff feels stressed and there occurs conflicts in business.
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Relation with co workers- In this it refers to having strong relation with co workers at work
place. This factor influence motivation as well. So, staff who are having strong relation and
bonding with their co workers are satisfied with culture. They work in team with them and
accomplish goals. Alongside, there is high level of understanding between them. So, it shows
cooperation in staff. This automatically result in encouraging staff to work with their co workers.
They show positive behaviour and attitude towards work as well (Renata, Wardiah and
Kristiawan 2018). Whereas poor relation with colleagues led to dissatisfaction. The employees
are not able to work freely. Hence, there is negative influence on their behaviour and it led to
decrease in motivation.
Hence, these are certain factors which influence on employee motivation both in positive
and negative way. So, it is essential to encourage staff regularly by eliminating negative impact
of these factors. This will result in enhancing their performance as well as productivity. Thus,
their needs and desires will be met. Besides, it will result in increasing overall organisation
efficiency.
REFLECTIVE ESSAY
What new skills have you gained?
What can you do now that you couldn't before?
I have gained various skills such as communication, leadership, time management, etc. Now, I
am aware about how to communicate effectively with others, what tone, language, etc. to be
used. Besides, I have learned about how leader lead team, traits, skills possessed by leader, etc.
Now, I am able to interact openly with others. I can communicate easily. Also, I am able to
manage my time by preparing a schedule. I know how to prioritize tasks, manage time in critical
situation, etc. Besides, I can led a team of 2-3 easily (Gagné and Hosszu 2019).
Have you made progress in understanding the important subject ideas?
Are there topics you still struggle with?
Yes, I have made progress in it as now I have learned 2- 4 theories and concepts of subject. I
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know where they are applied and how. Besides, I have got idea of basic knowledge about
subject.
I found that there are still come topics which I am not able to understand. First I how to make
decision that is what model to be used, how to do personal skill audit, etc. I am also struggling
with people management topic (Gopalan and Mat 2017). As there are various concepts in it so I
am not able to learn it.
How did you participate in classes?
For instance, did you ask any questions or participate in discussion?
I participated in class by asking questions. I asked questions as I was not able to understand
particular topic. So, in order to get answer I asked many questions to tutor. Also, I got confused
in between so I asked questions.
For example- what are most frequent people management theories which are applied?
How do you feel about your subject?
Has your view of this subjects changed?
I think that my subject is little bit complicated. It requires in depth understanding about different
concepts and theories in it. Besides, I think that it requires a lot of time to learn subject. There is
need to focus more on it to clear all its concepts.
No, my views regarding subject has not changed. The concepts in subject are very confusing. So,
it requires more intelligence to understand it (Muchtar 2017). I think only basic concept can get
clear by studying subject for 3-4 days continuously.
Do you think you are becoming a more independent learner?
If so, give some examples.
If not, try to explain what factors are inhibiting your progress.
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I think that I am gradually becoming independent learner. I am learning through internet, by
reading books, etc. Also, I am measuring my skills by setting of goals. Moreover, I am able to
assess my own learning.
For example- I have made a schedule in which I have included what subjects to study and when.
So, accordingly I am doing my studies. Moreover, I am able to take decisions about my study on
my own.
CONCLUSION
Here, it is concluded that motivation is process of inspiring people to perform actions in
order to fulfil their desires and needs. There are 2 common types of motivation that is intrinsic
and extrinsic. The characteristics of motivation is it is psychological phenomenon, continuous
process, vary from time to time, etc. Also, there are different factors that influence employee
motivation such as reward and recognition, development, leadership, work environment, etc.
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REFERENCES
Books and journals
Baljoon, R.A., Banjar, H.E. and Banakhar, M.A., 2018. Nurses’ work motivation and the factors
affecting It: A scoping review. International Journal of Nursing & Clinical
Practices, 5(1).
Diamantidis, A.D. and Chatzoglou, P., 2019. Factors affecting employee performance: an
empirical approach. International Journal of Productivity and Performance
Management.
Gagné, M. and Hosszu, K., 2019. Different motivations for knowledge sharing and hiding: The
role of motivating work design. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 40(7), pp.783-799.
Gopalan, V. and Mat, R.C., 2017, October. A review of the motivation theories in learning.
In AIP Conference Proceedings (Vol. 1891, No. 1, p. 020043). AIP Publishing LLC.
Kuvaas, B. and Nerstad, C.G., 2017. Do intrinsic and extrinsic motivation relate differently to
employee outcomes?. Journal of Economic Psychology, 61, pp.244-258.
Muchtar, M., 2017. The influence of motivation and work environment on the performance of
employees. Sinergi: Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Manajemen, 6(2).
PAAIS, M. and PATTIRUHU, J.R., 2020. Effect of motivation, leadership, and organizational
culture on satisfaction and employee performance. The Journal of Asian Finance,
Economics, and Business, 7(8), pp.577-588.
Renata, R., Wardiah, D. and Kristiawan, M., 2018. The Influence of Headmaster’s Supervision
and Achievement Motivation on Effective Teachers. International Journal of Scientific
& Technology Research, 7(4), pp.44-49.
Online
5 factors that affect employee motivation, 2019. [online] available through :
https://www.penguins.co.uk/incentive-travel-blog/5-factors-that-affect-employee-
motivation
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