MOTIVE AND MOTIVATION. INFLUENCE ON EMPLOYEE MOTIVATION

Abstract

This paper explores the concepts of motive and motivation, particularly focusing on their influence on employee behavior and performance. The term “motive” was first introduced in the early 20th century by Arthur Schopenhauer to explain the driving forces behind human and animal behavior. Motives are not innate but are formed throughout an individual's life based on personal experiences and internal processes. Unlike external stimuli or incentives, motives are inherently internal and cannot exist without conscious reasoning or purpose. Motivation, on the other hand, refers to the process through which these internal motives are formed or activated. It can be both intrinsic—developing from within the individual—or extrinsic—triggered by external factors such as rewards or social influence. This paper examines both definitions of motivation: as the internal formation of motives, and as the process of encouraging a person to act through external means. In the context of the workplace, understanding the dual nature of motivation is essential for enhancing employee engagement, productivity, and overall organizational effectiveness.