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Related Concept Videos

Incentive Theory: Pull Theory of Motivation01:18

Incentive Theory: Pull Theory of Motivation

Incentive theory, or the "pull theory" of motivation, suggests that external rewards primarily drive behavior. Individuals are motivated to engage in activities when they anticipate a desirable outcome. This is why people often work hard for promotions or study intensively to achieve high grades. These incentives can be tangible, physical rewards such as money or promotions, or intangible, non-physical rewards like praise and social recognition.
The theory differentiates between intrinsic and...
Drive-Reduction Theory: Push Theory of Motivation01:27

Drive-Reduction Theory: Push Theory of Motivation

Clark Hull's drive-reduction theory, introduced in the 1940s and 1950s and often termed the "push theory" of motivation, provides a framework for understanding how biological and learned drives influence behavior. Hull suggested that motivation originates from the need to alleviate physiological tension caused by unmet biological necessities. The theory proposes that when a basic need, such as hunger or sleep, goes unfulfilled, it creates an internal imbalance. This imbalance, or drive, pushes...
Motivational Bias01:25

Motivational Bias

Cognitive bias results from limitations in thinking and information processing, leading to systematic errors in judgment. Conversely, motivational bias stems from personal desires or emotions, causing distortions in perception to align with self-interest. Motivational bias influences how individuals perceive and attribute causes to events, often shaped by personal needs, goals, and self-esteem preservation. This bias can distort judgment, leading to inaccurate assessments of success, failure,...
Secondary Motives: Power Motivation and Achievement Motivation01:27

Secondary Motives: Power Motivation and Achievement Motivation

Power motivation and achievement motivation are two essential social motives identified by psychologist David McClelland. These motives influence behavior in various personal and professional contexts, shaping how individuals interact with others and pursue their goals.
Power motivation is characterized by the desire to influence, control, or have an impact on others. It is shaped by an individual's experiences, social environment, and cultural context. People with high power motivation are...
Motivational Cycle01:20

Motivational Cycle

The motivational cycle is a key concept that explains how individuals are motivated to meet their needs. At its core, the cycle revolves around four distinct stages: need, drive, goal-directed behavior, and goal achievement. These stages respond to imbalances in the body or mind, prompting actions that restore balance.
The cycle begins with a need. This need can arise from various conditions, such as hunger, thirst, or temperature changes. For instance, when an individual feels cold, their body...
Ryan and Deci's Self-Determination Theory01:17

Ryan and Deci's Self-Determination Theory

Self-Determination Theory (SDT), formulated by Richard Ryan and Edward Deci, explains that human motivation is driven by three fundamental psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. When these needs are met, individuals experience personal growth, intrinsic motivation, and overall well-being.
Autonomy is the need to feel in control of one's actions and decisions. For example, a student who chooses their research topic is likely to be more engaged and motivated than one who is...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Studying Food Reward and Motivation in Humans
12:09

Studying Food Reward and Motivation in Humans

Published on: March 19, 2014

Employee motivation: a powerful new model.

Nitin Nohria1, Boris Groysberg, Linda-Eling Lee

  • 1Havard Business School, Boston, USA. nnohria@hbs.edu

Harvard Business Review
|August 7, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Employee motivation is driven by four basic emotional needs: acquire, bond, comprehend, and defend. A holistic approach addressing all four needs significantly boosts workplace motivation and competitive advantage.

Area of Science:

  • Organizational Psychology
  • Human Resources Management

Background:

  • Employee motivation is crucial for optimal performance.
  • Traditional motivation strategies often overlook fundamental emotional drives.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a model for enhancing workplace motivation by addressing core emotional drives.
  • To identify organizational levers that fulfill employees' needs to acquire, bond, comprehend, and defend.

Main Methods:

  • Survey-based research across Fortune 500 and other companies.
  • Development of a four-drive model for employee motivation.

Main Results:

  • Reward systems fulfill the drive to acquire.
  • Collaborative cultures meet the drive to bond.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Studying Food Reward and Motivation in Humans
12:09

Studying Food Reward and Motivation in Humans

Published on: March 19, 2014

  • Meaningful jobs satisfy the drive to comprehend.
  • Fair processes address the drive to defend.
  • Conclusions:

    • A holistic, simultaneous application of all four motivational levers yields substantial improvements.
    • Addressing all four drives can elevate employee motivation from the 50th to the 88th percentile, significantly enhancing competitive advantage.