Motivational Science - Creating Work Motivation and Motivating Work Environments

Introduksjon

Please note that this is a preliminary course description. The final version will be published in June 2026.

Why do we do the things we do at work? Understanding the answer to this question has long been a goal for psychologists, philosophers, leaders, and researchers. Motivational science—and work motivation as a core part of it—addresses this question by examining how internal and external forces influence the direction, intensity, and persistence of behaviour.

Theory and research in motivational science aim to uncover the mechanisms and boundary conditions that shape work-related behaviour. From a practical perspective, motivation science informs how we design work environments and implement management practices that support sustained effort, engagement, cooperation, and knowledge sharing.

This course reviews key theories and research findings in the field of motivational science and explores how they can be applied to foster motivating work environments. Emphasis is placed on promoting adaptive motivation that enables employees to enjoy their work, thrive, and achieve both personal and organizational goals.

In addition, the course highlights how motivation plays a central role in social and human sustainability and explores its relevance for designing ethically sound and inclusive workplaces that promote long-term performance and well-being.

Kursets innhold

Topics covered in the course include:

• Motivation and emotion at work
• Psychological needs and implicit motives at work
• Autonomous and controlled work motivation
• Work-related goal setting and goal orientation
• Mindsets and self-regulation
• Unconscious work motivation
• Work motivational environments
• Work motivational interventions