The Driving Forces Behind Employee Motivation : What are the Motivations of Different Generations?

Abstract

This bachelor's thesis examines employee motivation and how it affects job satisfaction and performance. The following key questions are investigated in this study: What motivates employees the most to perform better at work? What are the different and common factors that influence work motivation across different generations? The thesis aims to identify the main elements that affect the motivation of people from different generations and to determine the variations in how people of different generations view and react to motivational tools. A variety of motivational models and ideas, including both traditional theories, such as Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, or Adam's Equity Theory, and modern theories like Locke and Latham's Goal Setting Theory, or Self-Determination Theory, are presented in the theoretical section. Additionally, it emphasizes the traits of distinct generations and their values in the workplace. The work's practical component is grounded in qualitative research using focus groups. Thematic analysis was used to examine the collected data, with special focus on comparing responses from Generation Z, Millennials, and Generation X. The findings suggest that preferences, expectations, and views of the workplace vary by generation but also have numerous common features. The study found that even though generations differ in their view and priorities, they share a similar motivational foundations, such as the importance for regular and constructive feedback, sense of belonging, and good interpersonal relationship in the workplace. Despite the lack of a specific workplace where the study was carried out, suggestions such as increasing the number of respondents, or incorporating mixed research methodologies can be applied to further studies of work motivation.