Lifespan perspectives on work motivation

Dorien Kooij, R. Kanfer

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterScientificpeer-review

Abstract

In this chapter, we take a lifespan perspectives on work motivation. We integrate lifespan perspectives with theories of motivation rooted in the organizational psychology literature to understand better how and why work motivation changes with age. Building on motive, context, and process theories of work motivation, we propose that an individual’s goals and self-efficacy are key determinants of motivation at and to work. Next, building on lifespan psychology theories and the literature on aging at work, we propose that age-related processes, such as age stereotyping, changes in time perspective, and maturation influence these key determinants of motivation at and to work. Finally, we highlight how both theoretical perspectives can benefit from each other and identify future research directions to fill the gaps in our current knowledge about how to develop and sustain work motivation among older workers.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationWork across the lifespan
EditorsB.B. Baltes, H. Zacher, C.W. Rudolph
Place of PublicationAmsterdam
PublisherElsevier
Chapter20
Pages475-493
ISBN (Print)978-0-12-812756-8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019

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