Question on The Fifth Discipline LO21213

John Gunkler (jgunkler@sprintmail.com)
Wed, 7 Apr 1999 11:20:56 -0500

Replying to LO21134 --

Steve Kellner proposes that ...
>One must avoid the assumption of need-based motivation which was an
>unnecessarily narrow understanding of motivation.

He then proceeds to use examples drawn from research on the "need for
Achievement (nAch)" -- a needs-based concept if ever there was one!

In spite of this confusing juxtaposition, I endorse his conclusions about
the relationship between size of gap and motivation. I have seen this at
work in many, many instances and have conducted some research of my own
(using a ring toss game) that replicates the original research.

I simplify the idea by saying (without too much distortion) that:

"A goal for which we believe we have only about a 50% chance of success is
the most motivating."

-- 

"John Gunkler" <jgunkler@sprintmail.com>

Learning-org -- Hosted by Rick Karash <rkarash@karash.com> Public Dialog on Learning Organizations -- <http://www.learning-org.com>