In this article, we will explain who defined motivation, what their definitions mean, and why they are important.
Who Gave the Definition of Motivation?
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| Who Gave the Definition of Motivation |
Many psychologists and theorists have defined motivation over the years.
The most commonly accepted definitions were given by:
1. Edwin B. Flippo
2. Stephen P. Robbins
3. McFarland
4. Dalton E. McFarland
5. Herzberg
6. Maslow
These experts explained motivation from different angles—human needs, behavior, satisfaction, and goal-oriented actions.
Below are the most famous ones.
1. Edwin B. Flippo’s Definition
Edwin Flippo defined motivation as:
Motivation is the process of stimulating people to action to accomplish desired goals.
Meaning : here easy words:
Motivation makes a person act and work toward a goal.
2. Stephen P. Robbins’ Definition
Robbins, a well-known management author, defined motivation as:
Motivation is the willingness to exert high levels of effort toward organizational goals.
Meaning:
Motivation pushes a person to put in effort for achieving goals.
3. McFarland’s Definition
McFarland defined motivation as:
Motivation refers to the way urges, desires, and needs direct, control, or explain behavior.
Meaning:
Motivation comes from inner needs and desires.
4. Abraham Maslow’s Contribution
Maslow did not give a direct one-line definition, but he explained motivation through his Hierarchy of Needs Theory, showing that humans are motivated by different levels of needs:
- Basic needs
- Safety
- Love and belonging
- Esteem
- Self-actualization
Meaning:
People are motivated by what they need at each stage of life.
5. Frederick Herzberg’s Contribution
Herzberg explained motivation through his Two-Factor Theory:
- Motivators (achievement, recognition)
- Hygiene factors (salary, work conditions)
He showed what motivates people to work and what stops them from being dissatisfied.
Summary Table Here
| Expert | Definition / Contribution |
|---|---|
| Edwin Flippo | Motivation stimulates people to act. |
| Stephen P. Robbins | Motivation creates effort toward goals. |
| McFarland | Motivation is driven by needs and desires. |
| Maslow | Motivation is based on human needs (Hierarchy). |
| Herzberg | Motivation is influenced by motivators & hygiene factors. |
Final Answer
There is no single person who gave the definition of motivation.
Several experts—Flippo, Robbins, McFarland, Maslow, and Herzberg—gave widely accepted definitions.
These definitions help us understand why people behave the way they do and what drives them to take action.
