More on Motivation

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More on Motivation
OS 386 September 26, 2002 Fisher
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Agenda

• Gather data on Growth Need Strength scores
• Practice using GNS concept
• Review goal setting theory

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What is Growth Need Strength?

• Individual difference describing a preference for
  certain types of work
• More autonomy
• More variety
• How is GNS related to Maslows and Alderfers
  motivation theories?

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GNS exercise

• Form small groups of people with similar scores
• Design job to meet the GNS needs of the group
• Want to maximize motivation
• Be as specific as possible
• Write group member names on worksheet, and hand
  in at end of class

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Goal Setting Theory

• Goal setting leads to higher performance
• Specific goals better than do your best
• Setting goals helps motivate people
• Clarifies expectations
• Makes it easier to judge amount of effort
  required to attain goal
• Encourages persistence

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Conditions for Effective Goal Setting

• Goals must be
• Specific
• Relevant, controllable
• Measurable
• Challenging (but achievable)

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More conditions

• Person must be committed to the goal
• Self-efficacy is important
• Participative goal setting is often better than
  assigning goals
• Must provide feedback
• Did we meet the goal?
• Do we need to change our strategy?

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Distal goals vs. proximal goals

• Distal goals longer term goals requiring a
  series of related behaviors and steps
• Proximal goals short term, discrete
  accomplishments
• Proximal goals tend to be more effective drivers
  of behavior
• Provide clear direction
• More opportunities for reward
• Self efficacy can increase along the way

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For next class

• Tuesday, October 1
• Fall break, no class
• Thursday, October 3 Rewards, job design
• Read Chapter 6
• Think about linkages with motivation theories