On Structure and Process in Work Motivation

Abstract

Takes the position that work motivation may be viewed as a function of intellectual vs. emotional factors in behavior and relationships between them; the intellectual, reality factors providing situational structure and the emotional aspects yielding the energy supply. Four groups, technical and managerial, (N = 104) were sampled on favorable-unfavorable dimension of factual and objective current work experiences separately from the affective and emotional. Data analysis indicated (a) subjects readily made the distinction; (b) objective factors defined the situational structure; (c) ego-centered factors of interpersonal and object relations yielded emotional experiences; (d) skill may furnish important linkages between structural and emotional experiences. A framework and implications for analysis of work activities and experiences toward increased effectiveness and intrinsic satisfaction from work activity are discussed, together with lines of further current investigation.