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Summary

Here you will find the definitions of the most important terms from this chapter.

Motivation

Motivation refers to the reasons that drive project team members to fulfil their tasks. These can be positive or negative as well as extrinsic or intrinsic.

Self-motivation

Motivation from one's own motivation and not from other people.

Growth need

Need that can change or develop further once the desired state has been reached.

Deficiency need

Need which aims to eliminate a deficiency. Only when this deficiency is removed do people turn to higher needs.

Test yourself

Try to answer the following questions on your own. Take your time and think carefully before checking the solutions.

What are the different types of motivation?
  • Extrinsic and intrinsic motivation
  • Positive and negative motivation
How do intrinsic and extrinsic motivation differ?

When you are intrinsically motivated, you do something for your own sake. Curiosity is satisfied, you learn something new or you set yourself a challenge. Quite banal: You do something because it gives you pleasure. Extrinsic motivation comes from external influences. You do something because you hope for a reward or fear a punishment.

How can a Scrum Master motivate a team of Developers?

Since the Scrum Master has no disciplinary influence over the Developers, he mainly has positive motivators at his disposal. He should be self-motivated to set a positive example. He can give feedback, provide assistance where needed, and offer advice when requested. If motivation wanes, he can highlight the benefits of the project. Furthermore, he should value the team.

What information does Maslow's hierarchy of needs provide?

Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs provides a needs-based framework for human motivation. It shows that the lower needs are basic needs. Only when these needs are met can the needs of the next level be satisfied.

What are the two factors of Herzberg's two-factor theory? What are the two extremes?
  • Hygiene factor: dissatisfied - not dissatisfied
  • Motivation factor: not satisfied - satisfied