4.2.3 (HL)—Motivation and relationships

Motivation is the process that gives behaviour direction, effort and persistence. Self-determination theory predicts higher-quality motivation when autonomy, competence and relatedness are supported; external rewards or sanctions can also change behaviour, but may produce only short-term compliance.

In groups, shared identity and valued goals can align individual effort with group norms. At work, clear attainable goals and informative feedback can support competence and performance, while choice and voice support autonomy. A controlling incentive, unfair comparison or impossible target can reduce satisfaction, cooperation or intrinsic interest.

A team could let employees choose how to meet a clear service target, provide weekly skill feedback and recognize cooperative problem-solving. Compare satisfaction, persistence and service quality before and after, rather than treating output alone as motivation; staffing, pay and workload remain alternative influences.

A reward is not the same as motivation, and higher performance does not prove greater satisfaction. Identify the need, goal or consequence, measure both behaviour and experience, test maintenance, and consider whether the strategy supports or controls the person.