Critical Thinking
The Article “The Role of Affective Experience in Work Motivation: Test of a Conceptual Model” was written with the intent to look at the function played by emotion in the work motivation. In order to achieve thus, the article sought to analyze the conceptual model that was developed by Seo, Berrett, and Bartunek. This model predicted the impact of affects on three major behavioral outcomes in the work place. The behaviors that were studied in this article include included motivation, effort, generative-defensive orientation, and persistence. After dong an analysis on these, the article then went on to look at the various challenges that were encountered in the study, before giving a summary of the findings as well as the conclusion. In general, the perspective assumed in going through the study is quite impressive and very clear, giving the details in such a chronological and precise manner that it can be easily followed by anyone reading it.
The theory under study, as already indicated, is the model derived by Seo et al1. The theory assesses the theory holds that there are core affects of motivation on the behavioral of work outcomes. These outcomes are assessed on the degree of activation and pleasantness. The main reason as to why these effects come about can be seen in three main behaviors which are effort, which is derived when the people are more motivated.
1. Myeong-Gu Seo et al. (2010). The Role of Affective Experience in Work Motivation: Test of a Conceptual Model.
They end up putting more effort in their work and thereby deriving more benefits. Persistence comes about where the individuals maintain the mode of action over and over again. This comes about with the knowledge that there is a proper plan at hand. Generative-defensive orientation also comes in where the people often get involved in the mode of action so as to get the anticipated results. As such, it can be seen that this model is concerned with the behavioral aspects that are brought about by motivation in the workplace.
In order to carry out the research, six investment clubs in the US were contacted. Each of these clubs had a membership of about 40-200 people, which meant that on average there were 80 members. The announcement for the investment stimulation was made over the public announcement, and those wishing to participate were called upon. There is no clear indication as to how many people responded to the call, but at the closing date of the commencement of the study, 118 members from the investment clubs were recruited to participate in the simulation exercise. They were paid between 100 dollars and 1000 dollars depending on their investment performance.
The research was done in the year 2009, though it could have been carried out any time since there are no specific conditions that need to be fulfilled so that the study can be carried out. All that was needed were the right participants.
As seen above, the data was collected from business men and other investors who were members of the investment clubs in the U.S. the selection of the participants was based on the fact that they had to be involved in a business activity or a vocation that involves effort so as to get returns. This could help in a clear assessment of the theory at hand.
The study was done using online data collection, where the participants could log into the study page using their login names and passwords2. The study involved the use of eight items that were scaled on a 5-point Likert Scale, all of which would help in assessing activation as well as pleasantness.
The findings depended on the outcomes of the study on the eight factors in the Seo Model. Out of the eight factors, four of them were supported by the study, indicating that there is a correlation between the affects and the behavioral change. However, it is already indicated that this study was bent on analyzing the effects on effort, persistence, generative defensive orientation and activation. Though there are some disagreements here and there, the overall outcome indicates that the behavioral aspects of motivation are propelled by the expectancy theory. If the expected and the control theories agree, then there is a possibility of higher motivational aspects within the individuals3.
The study is very significant in understanding the motivation theory and how this happens within the individuals. Specifically, it serves in eliminating the belief that emotions tend to reduce the productivity of individuals. This study reveals that on the contrary, the emotions have a tendency to improve the motivation of the individuals and give them an even greater motivation towards work. As such, they would end up being even more productive and achieving better results for the organization and also for themselves.
2. Myeong-Gu Seo et al. (2010). The Role of Affective Experience in Work Motivation: Test of a Conceptual Model.
3. ibid
It also indicates that the managers and other individuals in the higher offices should never shy away from motivating their employees, as this always has positive outcomes. They should make sure that they assign to employees tasks that are stimulating, inspiring and motivating. The results can be tremendous.
There are various limitations to the study, which should be addressed in any future studies that are to be carried out. First of all, the study is quite generalizing, looking at the relationship between pleasantness and motivation in a broad manner. Studies that narrow down on the exact issue could be effective. The study also looks at motivation. It is clear that the motivation of the people is often induced by complex factors that might not have been addressed in the study. It does not determine the exact kind of motivation at play. Third, it used instrumentality where there was an assumption that a given performance leads to a reward. It is therefore recommended that in the future studies, a greater analysis into instrumentality should be incorporated as it can really help. The study also used the self-report of the individuals, indicating that they used their memory. Though this eliminates memory bias, it also brings in another challenge in that the people’s memory might not always be precise. In such a case, the validity of the information provided would be in doubt.
In conclusion, this essay has critically analyzed an article that sought to asses the validity of the Seo Conceptual Model. The main issue was to look at how, according to the model, motivation leads to the behavioral characteristics of motivation that leads to greater productivity, and that emotions can have a positive impact on motivation. Through a critical review of the article, it has come out quiet clearly that the two are actually related.
Reference
Seo, Myeong-G, Bartunek, Jean M., & Barrett, Lisa F. 2010. ‘The Role of Affective Experience in Work Motivation: Test of a Conceptual Model.’ Journal of Organizational Behavior, 31: 951-968.
