Direction

Definition

Direction, in the context of motivation, refers to the specific goal or outcome that an individual is striving to achieve. It encompasses the individual's choice of which activities or behaviors to pursue in order to fulfill their needs and desires.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Direction is one of the two key components of motivation, the other being intensity.
2. The direction of motivation determines the specific goals or outcomes an individual will pursue, such as improving job performance, developing a new skill, or achieving a personal milestone.
3. Effective goal-setting is crucial for directing an individual's motivation, as it provides a clear target and a sense of purpose.
4. The direction of motivation can be influenced by both internal factors, such as personal values and interests, and external factors, such as organizational policies or societal expectations.
5. Individuals with high levels of motivation tend to have a clear direction and are more likely to persist in their efforts to achieve their desired goals.

Review Questions

• Explain how the direction of motivation influences an individual's choice of behaviors and activities.
  • The direction of motivation determines the specific goals or outcomes an individual is striving to achieve. This, in turn, guides the individual's choice of behaviors and activities. For example, if an individual's goal is to improve their job performance, they may choose to engage in behaviors such as seeking feedback, taking on additional responsibilities, or attending training sessions. The direction of their motivation directs their efforts towards these performance-enhancing activities.
• Describe the relationship between goal-setting and the direction of motivation.
  • Effective goal-setting is crucial for directing an individual's motivation. By establishing specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals, individuals can clearly define the direction of their motivation. These goals provide a sense of purpose and a clear target to work towards, which helps to guide the individual's choice of behaviors and activities. The process of goal-setting shapes the direction of motivation, ensuring that the individual's efforts are focused on achieving their desired outcomes.
• Analyze how both internal and external factors can influence the direction of an individual's motivation.
  • The direction of an individual's motivation can be influenced by a combination of internal and external factors. Internal factors, such as personal values, interests, and aspirations, can shape the individual's goals and the direction of their motivation. For example, an individual who values creativity may be motivated to pursue a career in the arts. External factors, such as organizational policies, societal expectations, or the influence of significant others, can also impact the direction of motivation. An individual may be motivated to pursue a particular career path or engage in certain behaviors to align with the expectations of their employer or family. The interplay between internal and external factors ultimately determines the specific direction of an individual's motivation.

Related terms

Intensity: The amount of effort or energy an individual exerts towards a particular goal or behavior.

Motivation: The internal and external forces that drive an individual to engage in certain actions or behaviors to achieve a desired outcome.

Goal-Setting: The process of establishing specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives that guide an individual's actions and behaviors.