Understand the Changes in Motivation at Work: Empirical Studies Using Self-Determination Theory-Based Interventions

TL;DR

This paper shows how self-determination theory-based interventions can improve motivation in managers and employees over short time frames.

Contribution

The study provides empirical evidence for the effectiveness of short-term interventions based on self-determination theory in workplace motivation.

Findings

Managers who completed a one-day training showed improved motivation and fewer needs-thwarting behaviors six weeks later.

A 30-minute online intervention reduced controlled motivation and improved situational motivation and self-efficacy.

Structural equation modeling supported a dual-path model linking basic needs satisfaction to vitality and efficacy via situational motivation.

Abstract

Managers often need to stay motivated and effectively motivate others. Therefore, they should rely on evidence-based interventions to effectively motivate and self-motivate. This research investigated how self-determination theory-based interventions affect employees’ motivation dynamics and motivational consequences within short time frames (i.e., within an hour, within a few weeks or months) in two empirical studies. Study one focused on assessing the effectiveness of a one-day training workshop in helping to improve managers’ work motivation, basic psychological needs satisfaction/frustration, subordinates’ motivation, and perceptions of managers’ needs-supportive/thwarting behaviors within a few weeks. Results support the effectiveness of the training, as managers were rated by their direct subordinates as having fewer needs-thwarting behaviors and reported self-improvement in needs satisfaction and frustration six weeks after completing the training program. Study two used the mean and covariance structure analysis and tested the impact of three types of basic psychological needs-supportive/thwarting and control conditions (3 × 2 × 1 factorial design) on participants’ situational motivation, vitality, and general self-efficacy for playing online word games within 30 min. Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed the scalar measurement invariance, then latent group mean comparison results show consistently lower controlled motivation across the experimental conditions. During a quick online working scenario, the theory-based momentary intervention effectively changed situational extrinsic self-regulation in participants. Supplementary structural equation modeling (SEM; cross-sectional) analyses using experience samples supported the indirect dual-path model from basic needs satisfaction to vitality and general efficacy via situational motivation. We discussed the theoretical implications of the temporal properties of work motivation, the practical implications for employee training, and the limitations.

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