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Motivation: Introduction to the Theory, Concepts, and Research

First Online: 03 May 2018

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Paulina Arango 4

Part of the book series: Literacy Studies ((LITS,volume 15))

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Motivation is a psychological construct that refers to the disposition to act and direct behavior according to a goal. Like most of psychological processes, motivation develops throughout the life span and is influenced by both biological and environmental factors. The aim of this chapter is to summarize research on the development of motivation from infancy to adolescence, which can help understand the typical developmental trajectories of this ability and its relation to learning. We will start with a review of some of the most influential theories of motivation and the aspects each of them has emphasized. We will also explore how biology and experience interact in this development, paying special attention to factors such as: school, family, and peers, as well as characteristics of the child including self-esteem, cognitive development, and temperament. Finally, we will discuss the implications of understanding the developmental trajectories and the factors that have an impact on this development, for both teachers and parents.

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Arango, P. (2018). Motivation: Introduction to the Theory, Concepts, and Research. In: Orellana García, P., Baldwin Lind, P. (eds) Reading Achievement and Motivation in Boys and Girls. Literacy Studies, vol 15. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-75948-7_1

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The Effects of Motivation on Employee Performance: A Strategic Human Resource Management Approach

2016, International Journal of Management Sciences and Business Research

Motivation has been established to be a critical sensation in the operations of today's small scale, large scale enterprises and multinational companies and its elements constitutes strength towards the achievement of organisations' strategic objectives in competitive environments. This study seeks to unravel the effects of motivation on employee performance, with a strategic human resource management approach. The fortitude for this research led to the retrieval of information from secondary sources published on the subject matter, and reviewed literature revealed the significance of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. The careful examination of the content and process theories of motivation established actualities, and further facts described the impact of performance management on firms' growth and the role of strategic human resource management in enhancing high quality performance through a motivated workforce. The available reviewed sources established that appropriate motivation mechanisms has positive effects on employees performance and helps to retain high quality employees firms desire for competitive advantage. The relevance of this study could aid practising managers, heads of private and public institutions and also human resource management practitioners.

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