MEP - Motivation and Work Lesson

Motivation and Work

09_io.pngIndustrial - Organizational (I/O) Psychology Personnel Psychology - applies psychological concepts to evaluate, manage, and select workers Organizational Psychology - looks at how work environments and management styles influence worker motivation, satisfaction, and productivity Human Factors Psychology - seeks to design machines and environments to best fit human abilities

One of the fastest-growing subfields in psychology is industrial and organizational psychology. It focuses on helping organizations recruit, select, compensate, and train employees by using psychological principles that increase productivity. It also happens to be the fastest-growing field in psychology.

Management

Leadership Styles

There are two types of leadership styles:

  1. Task Leadership
  2. Social Leadership

Task leadership is authoritarian and goal oriented. It sets ambitious standards and organizes work. Task leadership is good at keeping a group centered on its mission by providing direction and orders to complete a task or mission.

Management Theories

Theory X Theory Y
  • Assumes workers are lazy and never to be trusted
  • Workers need simple tasks and close monitoring
  • Believes employees will only work if rewarded
  • Believes all workers are extrinsically motivated
  • Believes workers need a challenge and are motivated to achieve and have self-esteem
  • Workers are trying to fulfill their highest potential
  • Give employees freedom and by doing so allow them to strive to be both competitive and creative
  • Believes employees are internally motivated

Motivational Conflict

Motivational conflict refers to a situation in which an individual is confronted with two or more competing goals or motives, each of which has both positive and negative aspects. This conflict can lead to indecision, anxiety, and stress. Psychologists have identified four diverse types.

As AP Psychology students, we study the underlying psychological processes that contribute to motivational conflict and the strategies that can be used to resolve it. This includes exploring the role of values, beliefs, and emotions in decision-making, as well as the various coping mechanisms that individuals may use to manage motivational conflict. By understanding the complexities of motivational conflict, we can develop effective strategies for making tough decisions and achieving our goals.

[CC BY 4.0] UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED | IMAGES: LICENSED AND USED ACCORDING TO TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION