Work Motivation: A Conceptual and Empirical Overview and Suggestions for the Future Avenues from the Perspective of Self-Determination Theory

摘要

This contribution aims to break a lance for the use of Self-Determination Theory (SDT) to advance the understanding of motivation in the field of work and organizational psychology. SDT is an encompassing motivation theory detailing how individuals can thrive when displaying particular types of motivation. Starting from a positive view on mankind, SDT maintains that individuals feeling supported in their basic psychological needs will display optimal functioning and develop high quality motivation. This high quality motivation may take the form of the 'why' of motivation (i.e., autonomous and controlled motivation) as well as the 'what' of motivation (i.e. intrinsic versus extrinsic value pursuit). Herein a conceptual and empirical overview of SDT in the context of work is given and several pathways for future research are highlighted. As such, this contribution aims to inspire scholars to further the theoretical understanding work motivation assisting practitioners aiming to enhance motivation in organizations.