Goodwill-Based Motivation

Motivation theory has been around since before Maslow’s Hierarchy. Many theories have been built on it, while others have taken a different path altogether. Antiquated theories are replaced by newer ideas. This is the natural evolution of thought. Now, the Bigley Motivational Landscape (BML) comes front and center. It is built on goodwill that accumulates or is diminished, based on factors that are controllable within the work environment. This book explains how motivation can be acquired from goodwill. Leaders often wonder why no one volunteers for a special task when it is offered or puts in an extra effort after normal working hours. The BML can help leaders determine if goodwill is being created or if it is being diminished. When goodwill is depleted, it is exceedingly difficult for leaders to motivate workers to make sacrifices with their time and effort. Managing goodwill is key to solving burst capacity needs and special requests. These concepts will be examined using responses from graduate students who are working in full-time jobs. Their work experience will help to confirm or invalidate the hypotheses of the theory.