A non-individualist note on traditional motivation theories in the context of African organizations

Abstract

The physiological, psychological and sociological bases of motivation provide fundamental insight into the mechanisms used in the West to provide workers with a sense of belongingness and inducement for increased productivity. But while the various theories put forth by organizational behaviourists in their human relations approach to managing do provide logical assessments and a systematic view of motivational phenomena, the application to African organizations may not be effectively possible or conducive due to different objective and subjective conditions. Truly collectivist-based societies appear to provide the framework for a different way of looking at motivation through a more scientific and systematic approach.