Motivation is defined as an “intervening process or an internal state of an organism that impels or drives it to action.” So the question is, what drives people to take action?
I contend that needs and desires merely define the direction of motivation. They are really the aim of taking action and determine where we apply our energies, but they do not impel us to take action. If a person is hungry, but does nothing to satisfy that hunger, a need exists, but no motivation. What would impel this person to get up and take action to satisfy the need? First, there must be opportunity. If our person believes nothing can possibly be done to satisfy the need then why even try? Second, there must be equity. If the person believes that he or she will not reap the benefit of taking the effort, again, why try? The apparent injustice is a demotivator. Third, there must be legitimacy. This one really supports the other two. It defines the limits of equity and opportunity. It tells the person when it is appropriate to act and defines justice and injustice. These three conditions must be perceived in the environment for motivation to occur. (Their initials are the origin of t
