In the article titled, ‘Understanding Employee Motivation’, James Lindner explores various ways that leaders can increase the motivation of their employees and staff members. The article defines motivation as the psychological process where leaders induce employees to act in a specific way in order for an organization to achieve its goals and objectives (Lindner 3). Lindner asserts that motivation plays a role in survival in organizations (2). This is because organizations need motivated employees due to the rapidly changing business environment.
Besides, the article argues that motivation is one of the most complex functions of leaders and managers this is because the needs of the employees are constantly changing. For instance, a manager may decide to increase the wages of the employees based on their performance in order to motivate employees. However, the pay rise may not motivate all employees. The needs of each employee are unique. Thus, motivating employees is the most complex function that a manager or a leader fulfills (Lindner 3). Further, Lindner provides various theories that have been presented by scholars on the subject (4). He says that Abraham Maslow’s theory of human needs is the most significant in understanding the ways to motivate employees.
The article highlights many aspects of management learned in chapter thirteen of this course. At the outset, the article addresses the importance of motivation and articulates that employees become dissatisfied with their jobs when they lack motivation. This is disastrous for an organization that seeks to increase its profit margins and achieve other goals. The reason is that employees’ dissatisfaction reduces the productivity of employees leading to low revenues. This, in turn, makes the organization to be unable to meet its financial obligations leading to losses and eventual collapse.
The article also emphasizes the need for subtle leadership. This is in line with the aspects of leadership learned in chapter fourteen of this course. The ability of a manager to motivate employees is dependent on the leadership style he or she applies. Transformational and situational leaders are supportive of their employees. This implies that they are able to understand the motivational needs of the employees and consequently adopt the appropriate motivational strategies.
Works Cited
Lindner, James. “Understanding Employee Motivation” Journal of Extension, 36.3 (1998) 1-5. Print.