An approach to the study of dynamics of work motivation using the diary method.
This study is concerned with work motivation as a dynamic process. Twenty workers kept a motivation diary over a period of several weeks. Using a PDA they recorded their level of motivation, self-efficacy beliefs and perceived instrumentality with respect to the task being carried out. The time series obtained were analyzed using common procedures in the study of dynamic systems in order to determine whether motivation followed linear or nonlinear patterns. The results revealed highly nonlinear dynamics for the different variables studied. The implications of these findings are discussed and questions are raised regarding the basic assumptions underlying current theories and models of motivation, for example, the assumptions of linearity and stability.
Navarro
José
J
Department of Social Psychology, University of Barcelona, 08035, Spain. j.navarro@ub.edu
Arrieta
Carlos
C
Ballén
Cristina
C
D000328:Adult; D004282:Documentation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D017132:Workplace / Q000523:psychology*