Understanding the Motivation Process Steps

The motivation process is often described as a sequence of steps that a person goes through when trying to satisfy a need. This process begins when a person experiences an unsatisfied need. An unsatisfied need creates an internal imbalance.

According to one sequence of steps, following an unsatisfied need, the process unfolds as follows:

• Unsatisfied Need: This is the starting point, where a person feels a lack or deficiency of something important.
• (a) Drives: An unsatisfied need leads to the creation of drives. Drives are internal states of tension or arousal that push a person towards certain actions. They are the energizers of behaviour.
• (b) Search Behaviour: The presence of drives motivates the individual to engage in search behaviour. This involves looking for ways or means to satisfy the need and reduce the drive. This could be exploring options, gathering information, or trying different actions.
• (c) Satisfied Need: Through the search behaviour, the individual eventually reaches a point where the need is met or the desired goal is achieved. At this step, the need is considered satisfied, at least temporarily.
• (e) Reduction of Tension: The satisfaction of the need leads to a reduction in the internal tension or arousal that was created by the drive. This step signifies that the imbalance caused by the unsatisfied need has been resolved, and the internal state becomes more balanced.

Thus, based on this specific sequence, the steps following an unsatisfied need are Drives, Search Behaviour, Satisfied Need, and Reduction of Tension.

Let's outline this sequence clearly:

Comparing this sequence to the given options, the order (a) Drives, (b) Search Behaviour, (c) Satisfied Need, (e) Reduction of Tension corresponds to the sequence A, B, C, E.

Motivation Process Sequence

The motivation process, starting from an unsatisfied need, moves through states that propel the individual towards action and eventually towards a state of balance where the need is no longer pressing.

The identified steps in this particular motivation process model are:

1. Unsatisfied Need
2. Drives (A)
3. Search Behaviour (B)
4. Satisfied Need (C)
5. Reduction of Tension (E)

This sequence highlights how an internal state (unsatisfied need) creates energy (drives) that directs action (search behaviour) towards achieving a desired outcome (satisfied need), leading to a relief of the initial discomfort (reduction of tension).

Revision Table: Key Motivation Process Concepts

Additional Information: Motivation Process Models

While the sequence discussed here follows a specific order, it's worth noting that different models of the motivation process exist in psychology and management. Many classic models include a step of "Tension" occurring immediately after the unsatisfied need and before the drive or search behaviour. Tension is often described as the uncomfortable feeling that arises from the unmet need.

However, based on the sequence provided in the question and options, the process is depicted as directly moving from an unsatisfied need to drives. Understanding different models helps appreciate the various perspectives on how motivation works.

Key elements commonly found across motivation models include:

• Needs (Physiological, psychological, social)
• Internal States (Tension, drives, arousal)
• Behaviour (Actions taken to satisfy needs)
• Goals (The desired outcome)
• Feedback (Evaluation of whether the need was met)

The motivation process is a cyclical one, as needs often reappear after some time, starting the cycle again.