An investigation to explore the impact of construction of reality on motivation in the industry : a narrative investigation

Abstract

The objective of this research study is to attempt to determine whether the realities or life-stories that successful' employees construct with input from both their cultures of origin (external culture) and the organisational (internal) culture impact on their state of motivation in the workplace. This mini-dissertation is approached from both a theoretical and practical point of view. Related theories and perspectives are explored in an attempt to arrive at an understanding of the philosophy pertaining to construction of reality and motivation in the workplace. Individual narrative discussions were conducted with successful employees, also referred to as respondents, in the research and development division of a South African target industry in an effort to determine whether internal and/or external locus of control impacted on construction of reality and subsequently on work-related motivation. The results from a motivation questionnaire were also incorporated in the research study in order to try to determine whether it supported the findings from the narrative discussions. It can be concluded from this study that successful employees are mostly also motivated employees and that both their cultures of origin and the organisational culture impact on their construction of reality regarding motivation in the workplace. Furthermore, this explanation revealed that an employee's construction of reality definitely impacts on his3 motivation. It is also evident from this research study that these employees have an internal and/or external locus of control. It seemed insignificant whether the respondents were motivated by internal or external factors, but what distinguished them from the other employees were the finding that they were in fact motivated by some or other factor. This study confirmed that different motivational factors impact on different employees as a result of their uniquely constructed realities regarding work-related motivation and success. The challenge for organisations therefore lies in determining which specific, culturally determined internal and/or external factors motivate individual employees. This will enable them to instigate, sustain or increase the motivation of their employees.