Learning about the ability to motivate others – A literature review and case study Bachelors

Abstract: This thesis aims to clarify the discourse of motivation research in order to explain the design of leadership educations that are focused on motivation. It also seeks to examine whether the education’s clients perceive the program to be effective in improving their ability to motivate others. In order to overview the field of motivation theory, a literature review was performed. It presents theories of motivation and inserts them into a four-field model depending on their assumptions regarding human personality and motivation. Then, a case study was performed in order to explain the design of education programs that focus on motivation. This case study was performed at Svensson & Wikmalm AB, a private leadership educator. Further, four of their clients were interviewed in order to present their view on the education and its effects. The thesis identified trends in the motivation research. These trends can more easily be overviewed and understood through the four-field model. The thesis reached the conclusion that theories of motivation are connected in the sense that they are interpreted and developed by other researchers. The four-field model can be used to overview and understand the movements in the field of motivation theories. However, the model is tentative and does not present the whole and exact view of the discourse of motivation. Further, the structure of the education programs can be linked to theories of motivation. Each element in the structure is supported by different motivation theories. The clients’ perception of the educations is generally positive and the aim of the educations seems to be achieved. However, the question of whether it is possible to teach leaders to motivate others is a complex matter that depends on many factors, such as clients’ will and commitment.