Distinguish between Indian and Western Approach to Motivation

Thinkers of the Western world define motivation in different ways. Williams G Scot defines it as a process of stimulating people to action to accomplish desired goals. The basic objective of motivation is considered to influence the way in which the work is performed by the employee by changing the attitude towards work, by improving the quality of work, by directing his efforts to desired direction and by helping him in satisfying his desires.

Maslow’s, Mc Clelland’s, F. W Taylor’s and all other western theories are of the opinion that man is a needy animal and he can be motivated by fat salaries, perks etc. Thus motivation for them is basically external and they use materialistic ways to motivate their employees.

Whereas the Indian philosophy believes that motivation is internal. It considers men as children of immortal bliss and full of immense potentialities. Fat salaries, and perks can motivate people to some extent but ultimately they can be motivated only when they are recognized and given respect as human beings, and helped in developing and manifesting their inner divinity and potentialities.

Therefore we can say that the western approach focuses more on materialistic and external benefits whereas the Indian philosophy considers motivation as an internal concept. Man, according to the Indian philosophy can be motivated more based on their ethical values, their beliefs, their emotions and belief in spirituality.