Content and Process Theories

The evaluation of motivation is broken down into two contrasting approaches: content and process theories.  Content theories are concerned with why an individual chooses a particular course of action, and what motivates them.  Process theories are related to actions taken to motivate people and how they do it. 

                ‘Content theories attempt to explain those specific things that actually motivate the individual at work.’ (Mullins, 2010)  These theories identify what it is that makes a person want to achieve, what needs, relationships and security they want out of life and work.  Many of these theories can be compared to the work place as well as real life situations.  It emphasises the needs of a person and how they become motivated because they need certain things to live and survive.  In some cases people will only meet the necessary needs to live and others will aim for higher goals as they are more motivated. ‘Process theories identify the relationship between the dynamic variables that make up motivation. Process theories place emphasis on the actual process of motivation.’ (Mullins,2010) These theories are not specific to one writer but many as over the years the theories have been improved.  Process theories include: Expectancy theories, equity theory, goal theory, and attribution theory.

Fareham School of Gymnastics is an organisation that aims to conduct gymnastic lessons for all ability children and teach both everyday skills such as coordination as well as develop specific gymnastic skills within a safe and fun environment.  The organisation is a community of people that are very dedicated to the club and are passionate about the sport.  This love for gymnastics is a huge motivator however the atmosphere of the club is very much a motivator as well.  A club that did not have a friendly approach between staff and the work place was loud and hectic staff would become demotivated and the cons would eliminate the pro of the love of the sport.  At Fareham School of Gymnastics employees have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills by attending courses with the support and guidance of the club, this can be related to Vrooms expectancy theory:

Vrooms expectancy theory in founded on the idea that a person’s performance will be influenced by the outcomes or rewards of their actions.  Expectancy is the chosen course of action a person takes to reach an outcome the behaviour that is chosen is not only influenced by the outcome but also by the likelihood of achieving the desired outcome, a person will have a perception of how probable the outcome is.  Instrumentality is the action or behaviour that is undertaken to reach positive outcomes.  This can be categorised into first-level and secondary- level outcomes.  First level outcomes are those that are a direct result of the performance, for example when under taking an exam due to lots of revision the exam is passed.  Secondary-level outcomes are such that fulfil needs such as praise or promotion.  Valence is the ‘attractiveness of, or preference for, a particular outcome to the individual.’ (Mullins, 2010) It is the feeling of satisfaction from an outcome.

This theory can be related to Fareham school of gymnastics as when attending a course there is an expectancy to pass the course and a degree of effort needs to be input to show a good performance both practically and theoretically at the course to achieve the desired outcome.  Going to competitions with gymnasts can also be related to Vrooms expectancy theory as there is an expectancy to come away with medals however to achieve it lots of training time, conditioning and practice is required for the gymnasts to perform well on the day and hopefully walk away with the medals that they deserve.  Both gymnasts and coaches will have a feeling of satisfaction if this is achieved.  The gymnasts will have a sense of both first level and secondary level outcomes as first level achievement will be from the medals and secondary level outcomes will be from praise off the coaches, parents, friends and peers. 

Motivations theories can be recognised in the work place and a variety of theories are prominent.  Within Fareham School of Gymnastics there is a community feeling and the employees are very motivated by the work they are doing as they are interested and passionate about the sport, this satisfies their intrinsic needs.  Vroom’s expectancy theory is relevant as all employees have an expectation of what they shall receive, this acts as a large motivator because they expect and want great results at competitions for the club and without a large effort being put in by staff this will not be achieved.  The company can relate well to Vrooms theory and adopt good motivation schemes and leave their employees satisfied and wanting to work hard for them and for the company.