What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to propose recommendations that improve the validity and applicability of work motivation theories.

July 1, 2004

What Should we do About Motivation Theory? Six Recommendations for the Twenty-First Century

Key Points

The aim is to propose recommendations that improve the validity and applicability of work motivation theories.
Integrate existing theories to form a megatheory of work motivation using meta-analyses.
Examine the dynamics between general traits and specific situational motivation.
Incorporate both conscious and subconscious factors in motivation theory development.
Proposed integration of diverse theories fosters a more comprehensive understanding of work motivation.
Recommendations highlight the importance of introspection and volition in shaping motivation theories.
Advocating for a boundaryless approach supports the evolution of motivation science.

Abstract

We present six recommendations for building theories of work motivation that are more valid, more complete, broader in scope, and more useful to practitioners than existing theories. (1) Integrate extant theories by using existing meta-analyses to build a megatheory of work motivation. (2) Create a boundaryless science of work motivation. (3) Study the various types of relationships that could hold between general (trait) and situationally specific motivation. (4) Study subconscious as well as conscious motivation. (5) Use introspection explicitly in theory building. (6) Acknowledge the role of volition in human action when formulating theories.

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