The Motivation Questionnaire (MQ) is a tool designed to
measure factors which influence how much energy and motivation will be unleashed in an individual.
These factors can be divided into four areas:
Energy & Dynamism |
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De-motivated by being rushed; Likes to take time over tasks and works better without pressure |
Level of Activity |
Motivated by time pressure; likes to be on the go and invests energy readily. |
Not overly concerned about targets and may seek only moderate challenges |
Achievement |
Motivated by the achievement of targets and strives to overcome challenges |
De-motivated by competitive environments |
Competition |
Motivated by comparing own performance with others. Attempts to perform better than others |
Fears facing failure or criticism and will switch off instead of increasing their effort |
Fear of Failure |
Self-esteem is maintained by the need to succeed. Thoughts of failure increase activity levels |
Positions of power, influence and authority aren’t actively pursued |
Power |
Motivated when given responsibility. Likes to use authority and be influential |
Does not like work commitments taking up part of personal life |
Immersion |
Will immerse self and work extra hours when necessary. Likes feeling involved in job |
Profits and finance are not overly concerning |
Commercial Outlook |
Likes to be financially rewarded for hard work. Enjoys creating wealth and profits |
Synergy |
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Need for interaction with others is limited |
Affiliation |
Motivated by meeting people and helping others |
Not overly motivated by praise and congratulations. Seeking recognition is not a priority |
Recognition |
Being supported is a motivator. Likes to be recognised for achievements and good work. |
Has little concern for quality of work, morals or ethics |
Personal Principles |
Does not like to compromise ethics, morals or quality of work |
Not overly concerned about job security, is willing to take a risk. Being inconvenienced is not an issue |
Ease & Security |
Job security is a high priority. Prefers to be in a pleasant environment |
Opportunities to learn and develop are not overly motivating |
Personal Growth |
Thrives on opportunities to develop and acquire new skills |
Intrinsic |
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Not motivated by variety or degree of interest in work |
Interest |
Finds repetitive work de-motivating. Enjoys being stimulated with varied and creative tasks |
Systems, structures and clear guidelines are a motivating factor in work environment. Ambiguity is not tolerated |
Flexibility |
Prefers freedom and less structure. Ambiguity is highly tolerated |
Happy to be supervised and have guidance from others |
Autonomy |
Close supervision is a de-motivator. Prefers to work alone using own approach |
Extrinsic |
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Not overly concerned with financial benefits linking to performance |
Material Reward |
Poor or unfair remuneration is a de-motivator. Believes success should be rewarded financially |
Not motivated by advancing self. Is not concerned with the prospects of promotion |
Progression |
Advancing/progressing in work is motivating. |
Status, rank and position are generally not a concern |
Status |
Status, rank and position are a concern. Lack of respect from others is a de-motivator |
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