Motivational Approaches: Operant Conditioning, Resource Allocation, and Goal Orientation Perspective - Essay Example

Resource allocation theory is a direct measure of the keenness and effort of an individual to accomplish a task effectively. It is based on certain expectations from the attainment of the tasks based on the success of past experiences. The individual desires to contribute effort to the task accomplishment.

For instance, as explained by John Whitmore (2009), self-motivation can be considered an inevitable ‘winning ingredient’ if individuals have the desire to attain self-worth and identity (p. 107). As the name suggests, the goal orientation perspective refers to individuals’ responses to proposed goals. It implies individuals’ attempt to accomplish their wishes set as personal goals. This perspective helps to identify individual preferences through motivation. The resource allocation theory and goal orientation perspective are based on internal thoughts and drives whereas operant conditioning focuses on the environmental upbringing and external causes as the key determinants of individual behavior.

The approach I agree with the most is the goal orientation perspective because I feel that inspiration relies mostly on personal desires. When individuals have their wishes set as goals, motivation, and effort are likely to be at the highest levels. The aspiration to attain the objectives would keep them motivated to strive for better. One’s practice of challenging oneself would further enhance the efficiency of the goal orientation perspective. However, as Whitmore (2009, p. 59) explains, the end goal of every initiative is uncertain and often beyond one’s control; however, a performance goal gives one the best opportunity to achieve the end goal.

To illustrate, the level of performance is within one’s control and is fully measurable about its progress. Whitmore further says that we need to be reminded by ourselves or by others of “what inspired us to start or continue to do what we want and it can be called a dream goal” (Whitmore, 2009, p.60). Thus among the three approaches, I consider the goal orientation perspective as the best approach to motivation. The approach I agree with the least is the resource allocation theory.

I do not think that the experience of achievement would better motivate individuals toward their future tasks. The experiences may just enable them to have an idea of how the desired outcome can be accomplished rather than ensuring further success. The knowledge of having a desired outcome in the past cannot be considered an effective motivational factor for the achievement of tasks in the future.