Cognitive Motivation

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to comprehend the way individuals will behave within a work place context.
The cognitive theories of motivation aim to develop this understanding by focusing on the action and choices made in the motivation process. The focus is on the processes that occur within a person's mind, which influence their decision to act. (Wood, Wallace, Zeffane, Schermerhorn, Hunt, Osborn (1998)) They rely on the assumption that behavior is purposeful and being undertaken to achieve a desired outcome or goal. This means that analysing the way choices are made between a variety of perceived outcomes can provide valuable insight into understanding why and how individuals choose to act.

Equity Theory

Equity theory relies on the way people make comparisons of both effort/return and with those around them, arguing that "when people gauge the fairness of their work outcomes in comparison with others, felt inequity is the motivating state of mind." (Wood et al p 183) People resolve the felt ...

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(1994) have been looking at the impact of distribution of feedback (both group and individuals) upon individual intentions. In particular for us, this study brings into question the applicability of equity theory assumptions within a group context. It proposes that, in a group setting, where other members would act as referents and rewards are distributed equally based on group performance, individuals would make equity comparisons within the group before deciding whether to persist. This was thought to override the impacts that feedback would otherwise cause.

The results supported this contention. It showed that where the impact of individual feedback worked to create a ...

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