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Motivation at Work - 5 February 2007

Motivation = Happiness = Productivity?

This Problem Based Learning (PBL) activity looks at the issue of motivation and happiness at work. There have been a number of studies that suggest that if people are 'happy' in their work they are more productive. Such findings tend to suggest that firms should find ways of ensuring their workers are 'happy'. The problem might be how you do this.

• Can people be motivated or does motivation come from within?
• Is any job capable of having some form of motivation - even the dullest and most repetitive job?
• How do you motivate someone who stands with a board advertising the latest 'golf sale' for eight hours a day on the high street?
• What role does money really play in motivating workers?

This gives a hint as to the range of problems that can be investigated within this topic area.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this PBL activity, students might have covered some of the following areas:

• The meaning and importance of productivity in business
• The meaning of the term 'motivation'
• Different theories and theorists relating to motivation in work
• The idea of 'happiness' at work - what does it mean to be happy at work?
• The link between happiness and motivation
• The link between motivation and productivity
• The major causes of unhappiness at work
• Strategies and tactics to improve motivation at work
• Can human beings be motivated by someone else or some outside factor?

Resources:

• The Problem: Motivation = Happiness = Productivity?
• References for Investigation