1st Edition

Motivation in Organisations Searching for a Meaningful Work-Life Balance

By Manuel Guillen Copyright 2021
    254 Pages 52 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    254 Pages 52 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    Motivation in Organisations: Searching for a Meaningful Work-Life Balance extends the current motivation models in business education to include motives of human behaviour that have been neglected for decades. It debunks some of the myths about human motivation (self-interest as the dominant factor, amorality and non-spirituality) and explains why this approach to teaching business is erroneous and leads to wrong and harmful practices in many organisations.

    In a very personal and engaging style, the author presents a "map of motivations", based on a humanistic approach to management. This includes the latest findings of Abraham H. Maslow supported by sound philosophical reflections and modern research. He also presents specific ways of putting the framework into practice, sharing stories from students and professionals of how this framework has helped them better understand their own motivations and look at their daily work in a much more meaningful way.

    The book is highly relevant to students and researchers in humanistic management, people management, organisational behaviour, business ethics, corporate social responsibility and sustainability. In short, this text will be truly inspiring to anyone who wants to reflect on motivations in organisations and how to achieve a better work-life balance.

    Part I. Mapping the Territory of Human Motivations. 1. Human Motivation Theories: Are They Really Human? 2. The Extrinsic Moral Motivations: Human Yearning for Dignity. 3. The Intrinsic Moral Motivations: Aiming to Do the Right Thing. Part II. Exploring the Region of Higher Human Motivations. 4. The Transcendent Motivations: Human Readiness to Give. 5. The Spiritual Motivations: Human Aspiration for the Highest Goods. 6. The Religious Motivations: Human Longing for God's Love. Part III. Using the Map of Motivations: Towards Higher Meaningful Work. 7. The Map Coordinates for Motivations: The Logic of Love in Organisations. 8. The Compass for Motivations: Searching for a Meaningful Work-Life Balance. 9. The Roadmap for Motivations: Always Searching for Higher Meaningful Work.

    Biography

    Manuel Guillén is Associate Professor of Management, Organizational Behavior and Professional Ethics at the University of Valencia (UV), Spain, and specializes in the area of leadership and trust in organisations. He is Founder and Director of the Institute for Ethics in Communication and in Organizations (IECO) and Director of the IECO-UV Chair of Business Ethics. For eight years, he has been the General Secretary of the Spanish branch of the European Business Ethics Network (EBEN-Spain). He is also Co-Founder of the International Humanistic Management Association Center Consortium. Guillén is a regular visiting researcher at Harvard University, where he is currently Representative of the University of Valencia Grants Program.

    "This book combines deep wisdom with an immensely practical framework to enable readers to clarify their work motivations in ways that better promote full flourishing for themselves and for others. The quality of our lives is profoundly influenced by whether we are oriented towards a job, a career, a calling, or a higher calling. This insightful book not only explains why, it offers sound guidance for moving from the lower to the higher levels. The author makes the provocative -- perhaps even revolutionary-- claim that "all motivations at work can be summarised by a logic of love." This book offers a compelling map for navigating a work-life balance in a manner that addresses some of the most significant challenges of our working lives: stress, disengagement, burnout, lack of meaning. Read it and prepare to be inspired and filled with hope!" Matthew T. Lee, PhD, Director of Empirical Research, Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University

    "What motivates human beings to act in the way that they do? Theories about human motivation have been as old as humanity itself. In this book Manuel Guillén provides a new framework that allows us to increase our understanding of what motivates human beings in their decisions and actions. The author shows a richness of motivations that goes far beyond the usual psychological theories to include ethical, spiritual and religious motives and elegantly describes the ensemble of all motivations as the logic of love. If we truly want to understand human behavior, I sincerely recommend the reader to start reading this book today." Professor Harry Hummels, Chair of Ethics, Organisations and Society at Maastricht University, The Netherlands

    "Finding meaning in work lies at the very core of both human fulfilment and organizational effectiveness. Everyone longs to do work that matters and to be a part of something larger than ourselves. In this wise and practical book, Manuel Guillén explains how to create organizations that thrive based on this simple, profound principle." Amy Edmondson, Professor, Harvard Business School, USA 

    "An inspiring book is one that provides a new and enriched perspective on reality. Prof. Guillén, throughout the pages of this really inspiring work, leads the reader through the exciting world of work motivation. Throughout the chapters, he will unveil new dimensions, stepping into the almost unexplored field of spirituality at work. The author brings invaluable ideas that will help readers deepen the meaning and importance of their work, reaching the rich logic of love and gift, and facilitating the achievement of meaning, purpose and a life of fulfillment. This book is a true revelation in the vast landscape of work and motivation." Ignacio Ferrero, Dean of School of Economics and Business Administration at the University of Navarra, Spain

    "What have I done at my job today? I have earned my salary, I have received congratulations and some criticism. I've had a good time, I've learned new things, I've developed my skills." Many people will stay in this summary of their day, but many will probably add: "I have felt loved and appreciated by my colleagues; I have helped some, I have worked to be useful to my clients; I have tried to be a good companion… I have given love and I have received love. I have to thank God and all those who have helped me in my life, for allowing me to get here ...". Professor Guillén's book deals with all this, the motives that lead us to work, their impact on our lives and how we learn to be better professionals and better people thanks to this. And, above all, it explains why and how managers must understand all this to properly manage their workers, if they want to be excellent managers." Antonio Argandoña Ramiz, Emeritus Professor of Economics and Business Ethics at IESE.

    "Love is not something that most social scientists are comfortable talking about. Because of this, academic approaches to management have struggled to understand the depths of human motivation in organizations. In this unique and accessible book, Manuel Guillen takes his readers on a tour of important insights, helping them reflect on how the full range of human motivations can shape both their actions and the actions of others in ways that many - particularly academics- will find surprising." William English, PhD, McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University. 

    "Manuel Guillen’s Motivation in Organizations is the rare book that seamlessly connects the classical ideas of human virtue to the latest from contemporary behavioral science. Read this book to build a successful life and career, and to motivate others to do the same." Arthur C. Brooks, Professor, Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School.