Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi

The physiological, psychological and sociological bases of motivation provide fundamental insight into the mechanisms used in the West to provide workers with a sense of belongingness and inducement for increased productivity. But while the various theories put forth by organizational behaviourists in their human relations approach to managing do provide logical assessments and a systematic view of motivational phenomena, the application to African organizations may not be effectively possible or conducive due to different objective and subjective conditions. Truly collectivist-based societies appear to provide the framework for a different way of looking at motivation through a more scientific and systematic approach.