Organizational Systems and Employee Motivation

[Excerpt] Motivation is typically thought of as a within-person phenomenon. Yet the individuals at work are a part of a larger organizational system, and as such, a more complete understanding of employee motivation recognizes the role of organizational-level factors in influencing work motivation. Major organizational practices that influence employee motivation include the evaluation, feedback, involvement, and reward systems. In addition, organizational culture and workplace policies and strategies surrounding job security, development opportunities, and diversity play a role in influencing employee motivation at work. The purpose of this chapter is to examine these organizational influences and address the impact of organizational characteristics and contemporary changes in the nature of work systems that influence employee motivation