Six Critical Requirements For Motivating Work
Social scientists have identified six critical requirements as the core elements for building workplaces that are psychologically satisfying and motivating (Emery and Thorsrud, 1969).
Conditions 1-3 refer to the content of the job and need to be optimal for each individual's needs and preferences. On a scoring matrix, these three work dimensions are rated from 5 (too little) to +5 (too much), with 0 (zero) being optimal.
Conditions 4-6 relate to the social climate of the workplace. People can never get too much of these things. On a scoring matrix they are scored from 0 to 10, the highest score being optimal.
1. Autonomy
People require elbow room. They need the sense that they have latitude and control over their work without someone breathing down their necks. Although some structure is necessary, people need to feel free to make decisions within that structure.2. Learning
Learning is possible only when people can set reasonable yet challenging goals and get feedback on their performance in time to make necessary adjustments. The opportunity to learn comes from facing challenges and getting feedback on results. The currently popular "learning organization" results from individual employees being provided the necessary conditions for learning to occur.3.Variety
The need for variety differs from person to person, but everyone needs the opportunity to vary their work in order to avoid boredom and fatigue. Variety also means allowing people to set up their own satisfying rhythm of work in which they are most productive.4. Mutual Support and Respect
An atmosphere of collaboration is needed in which mutual support and respect are freely given without fear of anyone losing. A satisfying workplace results in cooperative efforts rather than competition.5. Meaningfulness
Meaningfulness derives from the quality of work and a sense of how it fits into the purpose or bigger picture of the organization. It also relates to the sense that one's own work has worth to society. When jobs are meaningful in these ways, people feel pride and ownership of their work6.Desirable Future
People need career paths that allow for personal growth and skill development. Dead-end jobs are de-motivating. Opportunities to pursue aspirations and opportunities, on the other hand, are motivating to people.
