Motivation and Management
The role motivation plays within the concept of management is crucial, however, it is also a fine line to walk. A manager's ability to motivate their workers stems from the influence they have over them which often comes from the types of power they hold. French and Raven identified five types of power: Coercive, Reward, Legitimate, Referent, and Expert. At the base level of their taxonomy is coercive power, which is power gained through the threat of punishment. This power that managers can hold motivates employees to do their job because they fear being fired. Another example of the connection between power and motivation is reward power. Managers often hold the power to reward their employees for a job well done through bonuses, etc. This power motivates employees to perform their job in the hopes they will receive a reward. I find it very interesting how the concept of motivation among employees stems from the power that managers hold over them. In this sense, managers must be trusted not to abuse the powers that they hold.
Comments