Motivation, Communication and Reflection - Essay Example

Running Head: МОTIVАTIОN СОMMUNIСАTIОN АND RЕFLЕСTIОN COURSE STUDENT’S NAME INSTITUTION DATE Table of Contents Table of Contents 1 Introduction 2 Motivation 2 Define and Explain Motivation 2 Explain the Difference between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation 3 State and Explain Three Theories of Motivation? Compare and Contrast Them To Each Other. 3 Maslow’s Theory 3 Herzberg’s Theory 4 McClelland’s Theory 4 Comparison and Differences 6 Communication 6 Define and Explain the Term Communication 6 Difference between Verbal and Non-verbal Communication 6 Advantages and Disadvantages of Verbal and Non-verbal Communication 7 Theories of Communication 7 Comparison and Contrast between These Theories 7 Reflection 8 Define and Explain Reflective Practice 8 What is the Purpose of Reflection? 8 Features of Reflective Writing 8 Kolb’s Theory of Learning and Reflective Writing 8 Introduction Motivation, communication and reflection are three major components of business success. This implies that there is no single business can report desired results without proper application of these three components. Motivation is the main source of energy and morale to an employee (Khan, 2003). It is essential in sustaining good performance and improving results. Communication is an art of sending and receiving information within an organisation. It is a live blood which creates and maintains good relations among members of an organisation (Kaul, 2000). In this regard, people can only live and work together when there effective communication. Reflection on the other hand is vital in complementing both motivation and communication. It entails internal consideration and assessment of issues that are of great concern to the objective of an organisation (Greenwood, 2000). Note that these three components are inter-related and inter-dependent as far as effective operation in an organisation is concerned. Motivation cannot produce desired results without proper communication and accurate reflection. All of them should be integrated into single mechanism to achieve the set objective. Communication is made perfect by creating interactive atmosphere at all levels. Finally, reflection may take different forms such as staff evaluation. Motivation Define and Explain Motivation The term motivation may be defined as the internal situation created in one’s mind that causes one to have energy to move towards certain direction or goal (Lauby, 2005). In other words, for one to achieve certain target in any operation there must be some psychological drive that enables him or her to take appropriate action. This is where a behavioural pattern is formed to enable one achieve specific goal. This behaviour can be formed from within or it can be induced by an external factor. The bottom-line of the motivation is the psyche or the energy that makes one perform a certain task in the most desirable manner (Wlodarczyk, 2010). Explain the Difference between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation There are two main types of motivation namely intrinsic and extrinsic motivation (Khan, 2003). Intrinsic motivation is where one’s drive towards performance is not affected by external factor. This is where one enjoys what he does without relying on any other aspect apart from task. He or she finds satisfaction in doing perfect tasks. On the other hand, extrinsic motivation is induced into someone by introducing a reward. This reward acts as a motivational factor which if it fails, the overall performance is hampered. In most cases, people get motivated by what they earn at the end of the day. A good and practical example is where an organisation increases employee’s pay to encourage them to perform better. State and Explain Three Theories of Motivation? Compare and Contrast Them To Each Other. There are various theories of motivation such as Maslow’s theory, Herzberg’s theory and McClelland’s theory among others. All these theories seek to explain several aspects that shape individual behaviour in the work place. Most aspects of these theories are similar although some are a bit different. Maslow’s Theory Maslow’s theory introduces a hierarchy of needs. It explains how individuals are motivated by different needs. Once a need of lower level in the hierarchy is satisfied, it ceases to be a motivating factor. The worker strives to achieve another need of a higher level in the same hierarchy (Lauby, 2005). Abraham Maslow classified these needs into five categories. These are physiological, safety, social, esteem and self-actualisation. Physiological needs are the most basic and lowest in the hierarchy. According to Abraham Maslow, once basic needs are satisfied, one seeks to achieve personal safety in all aspects such as job security. Social needs include good relationship with people around you including colleagues. Self-actualisation is where all other needs are met and someone wants power and influence (Wlodarczyk, 2010). Herzberg’s Theory Herzberg’s theory establishes two types of needs. These are motivational and hygiene needs. Hygiene needs include good working conditions, job security and good relationship with colleagues. These are external factors that affect employees’ productivity (Lauby, 2005). On the other hand, motivational needs are those aspects that relate directly to work. The employer ought to ensure that the task is interesting in order to achieve desired results. The worker seeks to accomplish certain target as well as personal development. According to Herzberg, the worker should be motivated both intrinsically and extrinsically in order to achieve the set target. McClelland’s Theory McClelland’s theory seeks to explain three aspects of motivation. They include achievement, affiliation and power (Wlodarczyk, 2010). Achievement aspect is where one is willing to raise his or her performance irrespective of the existing challenges. Affiliation is where interpersonal relationship among employees matters. When these two are achieved, one progresses to achieve power. This is where one uses his position to influence others at work place. In this case, power is the topmost need while achievement is the basic aspect according to McClelland. Comparison and Differences All these thee theories of motivation recognises that human needs are different. Both Maslow’s and McClelland’s establish progressive needs whereby when one is satisfied one strives to achieve a higher need. The only difference is number of levels of needs. Maslow’s theory has five levels of needs while McClelland’s theory has only three levels. Herzberg’s theory is a bit different since it introduces two inter-dependent needs. Communication Define and Explain the Term Communication The term communication has diverse meanings depending on various factors such as field of study under investigation. However, all definitions tend to point that communication is a process of passing of an idea or thought and receiving response from intended recipient (Littlejohn, Foss, 2008). This implies that once an idea is passed from the sender, communication is not complete until the recipient understands the message and gives the response. From the above definition, it is clear that communication is two way process, sending the information and receiving the feedback. Difference between Verbal and Non-verbal Communication Communication can be either verbal or non-verbal. Verbal communication is where parties use word of mouth or audio means to pass and receive message. This is where two or more people are able to speak to each other through either discussion or any other form of communication (Steinberg, 2007). Non-verbal on the other hand is where sign language, body language or any other gesture is used in passing information. The language in this case is not audible but parties understand each other. In verbal communication, audible voice is used in order for another party to conversation to hear. On the contrary, non-verbal communication is silent since no voice is used. Advantages and Disadvantages of Verbal and Non-verbal Communication It is easy to clarify information in verbal communication where one can use specific language that recipient is able understand. However, this aspect can be potential barrier where parties to communication do not use similar language. Some form of non-verbal communication is universal such as sign language thus parties understand each other clearly. Nonetheless, most non-verbal signs have different meanings and may have diverse interpretations (Littlejohn, Foss, 2008). This is the major challenge with non-verbal communication. Theories of Communication There are various theories of communication. These include systems, cognitive and Goffman theory. Systems theory takes assumption that parts of communication process are inter-dependent. When one part is affected, all other parts in the process are also affected. Cognitive theory seems to concentrate on acquisition and organisation of the message. It emphasises that message should be acquired and organised properly in order to make sense to the recipient. Goffman’s theory concentrates on the manner in which people do communicate on daily basis. He insists that self-understanding and idea of reality in communication is influenced by socio-cultural factors (Steinberg, 2007). Comparison and Contrast between These Theories All these theories emphasise on effective communication and overcoming existing barriers. They are all in agreement that effective communication is essential in every relationship. The main contrast is the approach used in each theory. Reflection Define and Explain Reflective Practice Reflective practice refers to the process of contemplation of issues that are of concern to one’s life. This is where one is able to go through several activities he has performed during the day (Greenwood, 2000). When this is done, one is able to analyse every aspect of previous activities. What is the Purpose of Reflection? Reflection is important in both learning and personal development. One is able develop both analytical and critical skills. This is where one is able to undertake personal evaluation and assessment. Features of Reflective Writing In reflective writing, people may use their day-to-day activities to develop critical thinking skills (Kolb, 2012). Reflective writing involves past tense since in most cases it takes the form of analysing past events. One goes through certain issue or performs certain tasks in order to reflect on the same. Kolb’s Theory of Learning and Reflective Writing Kolb theory of learning involves use of past experiences in developing learner’s critical thinking. Emphasis is put on criticising what has already happened in preparation for future events (Birney, 2012). The learner is encouraged to reflect several issues that are of concern to his course in order to learn and develop critical thinking ability. This has been widely used in reflective writing. Kolb’s theory of learning tends to lean on reflective writing since the two rely on past experiences and lessons learnt through them. References Andrzej Z. Wlodarczyk (2010). Work Motivation: A Systemic Framework for a Multilevel Strategy. AuthorHouse Asha Kaul. (2000). Effective Business Communication. PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd. Birney, R. (2012). Reflective Writing: Quantitative Assessment and Identification of Linguistic Features (Doctoral dissertation, Waterford Institute of Technology). Greenwood. (2000). Role of Reflection in Managerial Learning. IAP. Kolb, A. Y., & Kolb, D. A. (2012). Experiential learning theory. In Encyclopedia of the Sciences of Learning (pp. 1215-1219). Springer US. Passarelli, A., & Kolb, D. A. (2012). Using Experiential Learning Theory to Promote Student Learning and Development in Programs of Education Abroad. Sharlyn J. Lauby (2005). Motivating Employees. Infoline Astd. Information Lifeline. American Society for Training and Development Sheila Steinberg (2007). An Introduction to Communication Studies. Juta and Company Ltd. Stephen W. Littlejohn & Karen A. Foss (2008). Theories of Human Communication. International student edition. Wardsworth series in communication studies. Cengage Learning. W.A. Khan (2003). Teaching Motivation. Discovery Publishing House. Read More