Motivation

Abstract This chapter reviews the topic of motivation. We start with a definition of this construct and how it fits with other constructs like effort, persistence, and performance. The underlying organizing idea for the chapter is various tensions in our field. We then proceed to review different motivational approaches that represent the different perspectives represented by the tensions. We start with a review of theories that highlight motivational mechanisms that are internal to the person. The rational theories like expectance theory, self‐efficacy, and goal setting are contrasted with the nonrational approaches that focus on personality and emotions. We then discuss theories that focus more on social or external factors that motivate individuals. Included here are justice and reinforcement theories. We close with a discussion of the ways that these motivational approaches could be organized using different perspectives than the tension idea. Included here are discussions of the extent to which theories have a future, past, or present time perspective; the extent to which the motivational process is seen as malleable; and the ease with which the approaches can be implemented in organizations.