Step 1
Motivation is a process that initiates, maintains and guides behaviors that are goal-oriented. It is a psychological concept that is directly connected to such important functions as job satisfaction and overall organizational performance. Motivation process involves social, emotional, biological and cognitive forces that activate behavior. It is critical to point out that the employees or the entire human resource fraternity is the life and blood of the existence of the organization.
Human beings are believed to be motivated by the unsatisfied needs. The more the unsatisfied needs one has, the more he is likely to work in a bid to satisfy the needs. Motivation, in the business context, is defined simply as the will to work. Such will is driven by both intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic sources of motivation are associated with the internal relationship between the work and the person performing such work (Elliot & Dweck, 2007). On the contrary, extrinsic aspects of motivation revolve around such things as remuneration and monetary rewards.
Motivation comprises of three components; activation, persistence and intensity. Activation is the initiation of the goal while persistence is the continued to achieve a goal even though obstacles may be present. The major obstacle in this case is financial constraint. Intensity is seen in the focus and stamina that goes into pursuing the goal.
In Maslow’s hierarchy of needs the basic level which is at the bottom of the pyramid represents the most basic needs which are needed for bare human survival and which according to Elliot and Dweck (2007) human beings cannot do without. This level of needs commonly referred to as physiological needs include sex, food, shelter, water, safety, clothing, and security. The second level in the pyramid represents social needs of human beings and comprises of social interaction, love, and a sense of affiliation. Moving up the pyramid, the third level which concerns itself with respect for self and others is made up of self esteem and self worth. The highest level in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is self actualization. This level which marks the highest needs is the most difficult to achieve and represents full human potential.
Motivation as a concept is a summation of intensity of desire or need, incentives, rewards (monetary and non-monetary) and expectation. As can be seen from the hierarchy above, the higher the level on the pyramid the more complex the needs it contains. Search requires financial strength to achieve. People also tend to meet their lower level needs before going to the higher level needs. The higher level needs is a priority of a few privileged members of the contemporary society.
Step 2.
I am motivated to attend school because I would like a good life in future. I think Education is the most practical way of realizing life dreams. What motivates me as a student is the desire to accomplish set goals and to meet the societal expectation of completing school. In Marlow’s Hierarchy of need I am in self-esteem because I would like to improve my self esteem, self confidence, achievement and respect of others and from others. Regaredles of my threats such as indulgence and desire to make money before completing school, I keep myself motivated by focusing on my goals.
References
Elliot, A. J., & Dweck, C. S. (2007). Handbook of competence and motivation. New York: Guilford Press.
Keller, J. M. (2010). Motivational design for learning and performance: The ARCS model approach. New York: Springer.
