As competition for talent increases and the economy improves, a recent study by Booz Allen Hamilton and the Center for Creative Leadership reveals factors that motivate employees in the workplace, and how leaders can use this information to maintain a talented workforce.
The report, “Motivated by the Organization’s Mission or Their Career? Implications for Leaders in Turbulent Times,” sheds new light on what drives employees to work where they do, their commitment to their organization, and how leaders can retain and engage employees through continually changing circumstances.
The research examined three orientations of today’s employees: Mission focused, career focused, and a perceived lack of employment options. All three orientations were found in similar proportions in both public and private organizations, and subtle but significant differences were found between employees who identified with each orientation.
Leaders who understand how these perspectives affect individual behavior are better equipped to motivate their teams. For example, mission-focused employees reported feeling greater commitment to their organization than their career-focused counterparts, while those who believed they had no other options reported feeling the least commitment. In fact, those with a perceived lack of options appeared stuck in several ways and at greater risk of leaving their employer, although they often worked as long and hard as their mission- and career-focused colleagues.
To help leaders leverage individual motivation, the report identifies powerful initiatives that can engage employees and greatly improve the likelihood that employees will stay with an organization.
Principal Lori Zukin, PhD, Associates Jeffrey L. Herman and Jamie Lopez, PhD, and Senior Consultant Stephanie Shively, PhD contributed to the report.
Booz Allen offers many ways to motivate people using both mission and career. The Leadership Challenge Simulation is one example of how Booz Allen helps leaders develop skills that are critical for both career development and mission impact.
