Leadership and Motivation

2302 Words10 Pages
Introduction Motivation is a complex and diverse topic, as it applies to such a broad field of studies. This paper explores how a teacher builds an identity with a school through strong motivational factors, by first discussing the concept of motivation and offering some basic definitions. Then, it will cover some general topics that will effect teachers' identity with a school and look at the theoretical concepts that relate to motivation, especially the motivational theories of Maslow and Herzberg. Finally, it will explore a range of contemporary motivational theories and how these can apply to motivating teachers. Since, it is important that the theory can be applied to practise, some recommendations will be made on how to best motivate employees, specifically teachers. Introducing the motivation concept Motivation is a topic that relates to every organisation, every leader/manager and every individual in their desire to accomplish different goals, therefore, there exists many definitions of motivation. Robbins, Bergman and Stagg, (1977, 533) in Management, define motivation as "The willingness to exert high levels of effort to reach organisational goals, conditioned by the effort's ability to satisfy some individual need". Gamage (2000) defines motivation simply as "getting the best out of people". There area number of general factors to be discussed when examining the topic of teacher motivation and how they can develop and identity with a school, such as leadership, culture and job satisfaction. Leadership is one of the most important factors that will determine a teacher's identity with a school. This becomes evident when examining a quote by Evan (1998, 188), "Whether it was the extent to which it enabled or constrained teachers, created and fostered school professional climates that were compatible with teacher's ideals or engaged their commitment and
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