There are many factors that motivate people in the workplace. There are many different things that motivate stress and conflict in the workplace. How a person handles the stress is what will make or break a working relationship. Intrinsic Motivation Theory, Theory of Scientific Management, and Motivation-Hygiene Theory give people the initiative and drive to do their job well and to help relieve stress at the workplace.
Intrinsic Motivation Theory is used by management teams to motivate people with intrinsic rewards. Under this theory employees desire to do a good job because they are proud of what they are doing, and want to be a part of something good. For example a Disney Imagineer feels satisfaction when he or she creates a new ride. The feeling of being a part of something so spectacular motivates him or her to do a great job.
The Theory of Scientific Management has a different view of workers and what motivates them. This theory states that workers are motivated by their productivity. Whereas with the Intrinsic Theory workers are motivation to create a job well done, this theory strives for workers to produce a lot of product in a specific period of time. Workers are paid more if they produce more. This theory works best in businesses that require high productivity and mass production, such as automobile manufacturers. This theory does in time lead to workers who are dissatisfied, because they feel more like they are machines than people. The Intrinsic theory promotes a happier workplace than the Scientific Management Theory.
The Motivation-Hygiene Theory is similar to the intrinsic theory in that it promotes people taking pride in something. However, in this theory workers are motivated to take pride in their physical appearance and hygiene. This theory promotes employee benefits given by how clean a person is. This theory has not been very successful because it does not promote employee motivation at work. However, it can help to give an employee more self esteem which does help them to perform better. The best motivator though is the pride an employee takes in a job well done.
If a person becomes too stressed at work he or she may become burnt out with his job. Too much stress can also cause illness, either physical, such as high blood pressure and fatigue, or mental such as anxiety and tension. However, a certain amount of stress is required to keep employees motivated. If things run too smoothly employees can become inattentive and lethargic.
Many different factors motivate people in the workplace. It is important that companies find successful ways to motivate employees. It is also important that employees find ways to relieve stress and make the work day more relaxed. All of these things will make for a pleasant and more productive workplace
References:
http://changingminds.org/explanations/needs/herzberg_needs.htm
Dubrin, A. (2004). Applying Psychology. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hill.