Motivation can be defined as an internal state that induces an individual to engage in a particular behavior. Motivation has an important effect on increasing job performance. Motivation plays an important role in an organization in terms of increasing productivity. Goal setting theory is an example of a work-motivation theory that assumes behavior is motivated by internal intentions, goals or objectives of a person/employee. This theory states that job performance is a function of the goals and objectives set and employees would put in more effort in a bid to accomplish their goals. The theory notes that specific and challenging goals coupled with appropriate feedback would lead to a better job performance (Schermerhorn, 2011). In simpler terms, goals give an employee direction on what needs to be done and how much effort is required to ensure their achievement.
This type of motivation would be the most efficient in the motivation of my workforce in the sense that it would increase their efforts at work, direct their attentions and actions and increase their persistence. An employee committed to achieve his/her goals would direct his/her attention to behaviors that s/he believes would enable the attainment of the goal. Doing so, s/he would increase the amount of time and effort spent on those behaviors to ensure the achievement of the said goals. While implementing this method of motivation, I would ensure that the employees state their specific goals and ensure that they are committed towards achieving those goals. Using performance appraisal methods such as the 3600 reviews and the critical-incident technique, the employees would be given feedback on their overall performance. This feedback would highlight the specific areas they are performing poorly at and the areas they are performing extraordinarily well. Their weakest traits would be discouraged as they would hinder their attainment of their goals. Such feedback would ensure that the employees stick to their commitments of achieving their goals which would in-turn improve their job performance. Employee’s goals would motivate them to search for the most effective strategies to ensure that they achieve them.
References
Schermerhorn, J. R. (2011). Exploring management. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley.
