Understanding the Theories and Interventions of Motivation in Organization Development

In, Responsible Management: Opportunities and Challenges. Proceedings of 58th Annual Conference of the Eastern Academy of Management. Virtual, May 19 -21 (2021). SAGE Advance. DOI: 10.31124/advance.14610291.v1

22 Pages Posted: 25 May 2021

See all articles by Emily Marczak

Emily Marczak

University of Southern Maine

Robert M. Yawson

Quinnipiac University

Date Written: May 18, 2021

Abstract

This article reviews theories of motivation in the workplace, what these theories look like in the modern workplace, and interventions designed to increase individual and system-wide organizational motivation. We explored a wide range of theories, including the expectancy theory, Maslow’s hierarchy, the motivation-hygiene theory, the equity theory, reward structures, cognitive evaluation theory, and feedback, to formulate conclusions about common organization development (OD) interventions that are meant to address the theories. Reviewed interventions include; organization structure design, achievement orientation, goal setting, job design, quality feedback, and empowerment programs. We followed a multidisciplinary integrated literature review approach to move beyond merely summarizing the literature but substantially contributing new and valuable knowledge to the fields of leadership and organization development. The research cements the need for understanding individuals’ needs and goals, the value of quality feedback, rewarding positive behavior, leading with fairness, and allowing space for autonomy.

Keywords: motivation in the workplace, employee engagement, reward, needs hierarchy

Suggested Citation

Marczak, Emily L and Yawson, Robert M., Understanding the Theories and Interventions of Motivation in Organization Development (May 18, 2021). In, Responsible Management: Opportunities and Challenges. Proceedings of 58th Annual Conference of the Eastern Academy of Management. Virtual, May 19 -21 (2021). SAGE Advance. DOI: 10.31124/advance.14610291.v1 , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3849393 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3849393

Emily L Marczak

University of Southern Maine ( email )

P.O. Box 9300
Portland, ME 04104-9300
United States

Robert M. Yawson (Contact Author)

Quinnipiac University ( email )

275 Mt. Carmel Avenue, SB-DNF
School of Business
Hamden, CT 06518
United States
2035825023 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://https://www.qu.edu/faculty-and-staff/robert-yawson/

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