Reasons for LP

If we define performance = ability x motivation, were


ability = person’s aptitudes

 motivation = desire x commitment,

When noticing low ability, we should check:

• Over difficult tasks
• Low individual aptitude, skill and knowledge
• Evidence of strong effort, despite poor performance
• Lack of improvement over time.

But when feeling low motivation, we must check the level of stress, which is one of the drivers of low productivity, before addressing our effort to raise the motivation.

The paper “The effect of stress and satisfaction on productivity” ( International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Vol 50, No 5, 2010 ), reports the following findings: Increased stress leads to reduced productivity and increased satisfaction leads to increased productivity. When work begins to overlap with workers’ peersonal life this implies a negative effect on productivity. Quality work is more related to conscientiousness and personal satisfactions than to work load. Energetic and active individuals affect productivity positively.

To improve motivation we can:

• Set the performance goals
•  Provide performance assistance
•  Guarantee performance feedback

Sources:

http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTMM_80.htm