Integrating Theories of Motivation

TLDR

Human behavior research has been fragmented by discipline-bound theories, but recent convergence allows effective integration. The study aims to construct a temporal motivational theory (TMT) by integrating picoeconomics, expectancy theory, cumulative prospect theory, and need theory. TMT is built by synthesizing key concepts from picoeconomics, expectancy theory, cumulative prospect theory, and need theory. TMT aligns with major findings across psychobiology and behaviorism and offers broad implications for group behavior, job design, stock markets, and goal setting.

Abstract

Progress toward understanding human behavior has been hindered by discipline-bound theories, dividing our efforts. Fortunately, these separate endeavors are converging and can be effectively integrated. Focusing on the fundamental features of picoeconomics, expectancy theory, cumulative prospect theory, and need theory, we construct a temporal motivational theory (TMT). TMT appears consistent with the major findings from many other investigations, including psychobiology and behaviorism. The potential implications of TMT are numerous, affecting our understanding on a wide range of topics, including group behavior, job design, stock market behavior, and goal setting.