Motivation according to Lefton (1994) is any condition, usually internal, that appears by inference to initiate, activate or maintain an organism’s goal-directed behaviour
Four Basic Parts of Motivation mentioned in the Definition
- Motivation is an internal condition, because it is within us. As a concept, it is invisible.
- Motivation is an inferred concept that links a person’s internal conditions to external behavior.
- It is an inferred concept because it cannot be observed directly, but we can infer it presence by its effect on behavior.
- Motivation initiates, activates or maintains behaviour.
- It is a sort of moving force. Your teachers can be motivated to work hard to win the best teacher award or display a particular desirable behavior.
- Motivation generates goal-directed behaviour.
- In other words motivation encourages people (teachers) to direct their effort to achieve a particular goal.
- As a head if you understand the meaning of motivation and apply it at your workplace your teachers will work towards the goal of improving the performance of the school both academic and non academic.
In summary, the concept of motivation points out that motivation may be an internal or external desire which pushes and sustains one’s interest to achieve a goal.