The Effects of Motivational Factors on Work Behavior

Overworking is a common problem often attributed to hard work and dedication. However, overworking has not been found to be beneficial to an individual yet has continued to persist despite generations of societal change. This paper aims to explore the motivations behind overworking in terms of Alderfer’s ERG Theory that focuses on an individual’s existence, relatedness, and growth needs. To study this, 94 full-time employees completed a survey that highlighted their work behaviors and possible motivating factors using a Likert scale. The study looked at correlations between work behaviors and motivations and found the strongest correlation between overworking and existence needs. Growth needs were the least likely to motivate overworking behaviors. Raising awareness about these motivations can help mitigate potentially problematic behaviors. Since overworking is generally understudied, this research aims to highlight the motivators as a way to elevate awareness about overworking and call for continued investigation across more specific demographics.