TY - JOUR
T1 - A longitudinal analysis of motivation profiles at work
AU - Howard, Joshua L.
AU - Morin, Alexandre J.S.
AU - Gagné, Marylene
PY - 2021
Y1 - 2021
N2 - This paper examines the multidimensional nature of workplace motivation and the importance of a continuum structure in self-determination theory through application of complementary variable- and person-centered approaches. This approach is taken to simultaneously model the complexity of motivation and highlight interactions between motivational factors. Additionally, this study represents an initial test of the temporal stability of work motivation profiles. A sample of 510 full-time employees were recruited from a range of occupations. Results support the central importance of a general factor representing self-determination as the most influential factor in an employee’s motivation profile. However, smaller effects associated with the motivation subscales, especially identified regulation, were also noticed. Importantly, motivation profiles were found to be highly stable over the 4-month duration of this study. Results lend support to the theoretical position that while general self-determination is an essential component of motivation, it alone does not fully describe an employee’s motivation.
AB - This paper examines the multidimensional nature of workplace motivation and the importance of a continuum structure in self-determination theory through application of complementary variable- and person-centered approaches. This approach is taken to simultaneously model the complexity of motivation and highlight interactions between motivational factors. Additionally, this study represents an initial test of the temporal stability of work motivation profiles. A sample of 510 full-time employees were recruited from a range of occupations. Results support the central importance of a general factor representing self-determination as the most influential factor in an employee’s motivation profile. However, smaller effects associated with the motivation subscales, especially identified regulation, were also noticed. Importantly, motivation profiles were found to be highly stable over the 4-month duration of this study. Results lend support to the theoretical position that while general self-determination is an essential component of motivation, it alone does not fully describe an employee’s motivation.
KW - Bifactor-ESEM
KW - Continuum
KW - Latent profiles
KW - Latent transition analyses
KW - Self-determination theory
KW - Work motivation
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85089869854&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s11031-020-09852-4
DO - 10.1007/s11031-020-09852-4
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85089869854
VL - 45
SP - 39
EP - 59
JO - Motivation and Emotion
JF - Motivation and Emotion
SN - 0146-7239
ER -