Understand the Changes in Motivation at Work: Empirical Studies Using Self-Determination Theory-Based Interventions.
1School of Business, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT 06515, USA.
Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 29, 2025
Summary
Managers can improve employee motivation using evidence-based training. A one-day workshop enhanced managers
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Organizational Behavior
- Management
Background:
- Managers require motivation and the ability to motivate others.
- Self-determination theory (SDT) provides evidence-based interventions for motivation.
- Understanding motivation dynamics in short time frames is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of SDT-based interventions on employee motivation dynamics and consequences.
- To assess the impact of training on managers' motivational behaviors and subordinate perceptions.
- To examine the immediate effects of psychological needs conditions on situational motivation.
Main Methods:
- Two empirical studies were conducted to test SDT-based interventions.
- Study one: A one-day training workshop for managers, with subordinate ratings six weeks post-training.
- Study two: Experimental manipulation of SDT conditions (supportive/thwarting, control) on participants' motivation, vitality, and self-efficacy in a 30-min online game scenario.
Main Results:
- Managers trained in SDT interventions showed reduced needs-thwarting behaviors and improved self-reported needs satisfaction.
- Experimental conditions in study two demonstrated that momentary interventions effectively altered situational extrinsic self-regulation.
- Structural equation modeling supported a dual-path model where basic needs satisfaction indirectly influences vitality and self-efficacy via situational motivation.
Conclusions:
- SDT-based interventions are effective in enhancing managers' motivational support and employees' psychological needs satisfaction.
- Momentary interventions can rapidly influence situational motivation and self-regulation.
- Findings have implications for employee training and understanding the temporal nature of work motivation.
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