Employee Motivation in a Changing Environment

Like leadership, motivation is another classical organizational behavior (OB) topic; however, the context of change and ongoing organizational development requires contemporary perspectives and approaches to employee motivation. These emerging perspectives are examined in this chapter. Indeed, research on employee motivation has evolved over time with several traditional and contemporary motivational theories. Despite the many theories and practical perspectives available, there are many uncertainties surrounding the nomological net of motivation. In today’s constantly changing and competitive environment, it is more important for organizations to motivate their employees. Those who are motivated use their talents and abilities to make the best contribution they can to the work of the organization. Failure to do this can result in a loss of competitiveness and profits. Maintaining motivation is particularly important and challenging during times of rapid change and economic uncertainty. At such times, morale can fall dramatically due to the insecurity that change can bring, particularly at times of organizational restructuring, downsizing, mergers, acquisitions, and other such ongoing change interventions. It may be also difficult to motivate some employees if they are temporary workers. Research perspectives on how to build motivation within the realities of change interventions are evaluated and research gaps are outlined.