Motivation

I wonder why management classes aren't pitched as one of the important classes for those outside the business department; I had to go out of my way to join this one and though looking forward to an "A" is just what it is - looking forward to it - I can say 10 weeks down the line; it has been worthwhile.

When we began the 'art imitates life' class project I knew that music can relate to any and everything but, I had no idea what management concept I would narrow down the music I choose to. One thing I knew was the fact that I'd definitely be using a music by Westlife or 6team. Language was a barrier in the choice of 6team so I settled for the Irish group. Find below my text for that paper; if too academic just deconstruct in your mind.

Art is a natural part of living which connects the mind to the body. Music is a form of art which involves sound and silence. Though the song is a protected Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) file, it was purchased for the purpose of the class on February 22, 2008 through iTunes. The song became a popular hit in the United Kingdom rising to number one (1) on the music chart. Though different lyrical organization exists, I used the one I segmented into eight (8) verses.

Motivation, which is a key component of today’s organization, is defined by the Organizational Behavior (Schermerhorn, Hunt et al 2005) as “the forces within an individual that account for the level, direction and persistence of effort expended at work.” The end goal as described in the last verse of the song is to do the impossible or the unusual “flying without wings” through motivation which is referred to as “the joy you bring.” To get to that point, one needs to persist on a certain level of effort and in the right direction.

Level: To achieve the right level, there is a search or research to be done (verse 1) especially because this is not a lone race because “everybody's looking.” To attain the right level is painstaking, yet one needs tolerance and hindsight as it can be found “in the strangest place.” A security person in the office may end up being the one who motivates you far above your superiors or colleagues.

Direction: From verses 2, 3 and 4, we see that the direction we go in search of motivation is determined by how far we are willing to go. It could be found in “sharing” as we work in a team. It could be found as we work on “solitary” projects. But wherever it is found, one thing that is certain is the fact that finding it is pleasant and increases the level of our desire to succeed on a higher level. Motivation is of different types, it could be in form of gifts, rewards, words of encouragement etc; but in whatever form, it is sure to “make you laugh or cry;” not the tears of shame but of joy.

Personality traits and thinking and learning styles theories have a bearing on motivation. Westlife’s motivation is linked to love which could be described as a sincere compassion for others – within or outside the work environment. The acquired needs theory by McClelland (Schermerhorn, et al 2005) talks about the need for achievement (nAch), need for affiliation (nAff) and need for (nPower). These themes and the needs they correspond to are important in understanding behavior.

The singers sought to master the complex task of “flying” (behavior) the unusual way “without wings” (achievement). They sought to arrive at the end goal through a lover’s friendly and warm relations (affiliation). Though they did not directly seek for power, power was inherent in their search as the achievement puts them on a level higher than others who fly with wings. The singer’s need for motivation is shown in the lines that talk about how/where to search. In searching, the singers did not mince words in saying one will be driven to achieve the impossible.

Persistence: We have a proverb in my homeland that, when translated, means ‘one who must eat an egg stored in the rocks must be prepared to work skillfully.’ As heard in verse 5, “impossible as they may seem,” persistence is essential as you just do not “know which one you let go would have made you complete” in finding motivation, e.g. you resign from a job where you feel unappreciated only to find out that the letter which would have positioned you four levels upward has just been delayed due to the big boss’ absence. The song challenges listeners to believe with the assurance that the motivation that propels to higher achievements will come.

The singers bring the song gradually to a close by sharing their own experiences. While one singer (verse 6) found motivation in “waking up beside” his lover (intrinsic) and “watch[ing] the sunrise” on her face, another (verse 7) found it in the “little things” – the ‘we missed you yesterday’ – which catapults him to do the impossible. The last verse wraps it all up “and you're the place my life begins…;” the beginning and end of every task is the motivation that propels us to success.

The tempo, melody, harmony, and quality of sound, in addition to the well thought-out lyrics make Flying Without Wings a great song. Positive motivation which is described in FWW as a means to an amazing and pleasant end is the organizational concept that runs through the song.

Reference: Schermerhorn, J.; Hunt, J.; Osborn R. (2005) Organizational Behavior, 9th Edition. Wiley: USA