Entrepreneurship Development and Communication Skills

5.1.5 Types of motivation

There are two types of motivation, Intrinsic and Extrinsic motivation. It's important to understand that we are not all the same; thus effectively motivating your employees requires that you gain an understanding of the different types of motivation. Such an understanding will enable you to better categorize your team members and apply the appropriate type of motivation. You will find each member different and each member's motivational needs will be varied as well. Some people respond best to intrinsic which means "from within" and will meet any obligation of an area of their passion. Quite the reverse, others will respond better to extrinsic motivation which, in their world, provides that difficult tasks can be dealt with provided there is a reward upon completion of that task. Become an expert in determining which type will work best with which team members.

Based on the drive of the individual, motivation could be classified into the following types:

(i) Achievement motivation

(ii) Affiliation motivation

(iii) Competence motivation

(iv) Power motivation

(v) Attitude motivation

(vi) Incentive motivation

(vii) Fear motivation