Background reading material by Professor Omar Hasan Kasule Sr. for Year 1 Semester 1 medical student PPSD session on 13th August 2008
1.0 CONCEPT and METHODS OF MOTIVATION
Motivation can be intrinsic (self motivation), extrinsic (motivation by external rewards), or reactionary (temporary response to events).
Motivation starts with commitment to an objective. The reward for work is commensurate with the level of commitment. Any work without commitment is bound to fail.
The best of work is consistent and is continuous. Consistency and continuity are ensured only in a situation of high motivation.
High job satisfaction is directly related to high motivation. Motivated workers know that work is an obligation and therefore strive for excellence.
Salary is not an effective motivator. It meets the needs of the worker and family so that he can devote time and energy to the work and is not a just return for the work. The real reward is the satisfaction of a job well done and the associated appreciation.
2.0 METHODS AND TECHNIQUES OF MOTIVATION
Motivated leaders clarify goals, set objectives, consult and respect followers, deal with followers kindly, humanely, and with fairness, have good 2-way communication, and make followers feel secure.
A positive motivating work environment is challenging and meaningful. It has opportunities for advancement, learning and personal growth. It gives responsibility, independence, and job satisfaction.
Negative motivation is associated with worries, lack of self-confidence, low self-esteem, low self-worth, negative opinions in the work place, poor working conditions, poor leadership, inequity, and injustice.
Positive reinforcement (appreciation, reward and praise) is a motivator.
Negative reinforcement such as reprimanding demotivates.
People should work because they believe not because they receive. Intrinsic rewards are more effective motivators than extrinsic motivators.
Intrinsic rewards are task completion, achievement, autonomy, and personal growth. Extrinsic rewards are salary, benefits, and promotions.
3.0 MOTIVATION IN THE MEDICAL PROFESSION
Students are idealistic on entry into medical school and talk about serving the community. On graduation many students think about material benefits and social status.
A physician in a materialistic society is torn between contradictory forces of greed and service. Although service should have the higher priority, the material rights and privileges of the physician should not be forgotten because he also wants to live a happy and honorable life.
