The Triadic Model of Motivation - Linking Three Different Types of Motivation to Follower Values and Leader Behaviors

I propose that there are three main reasons for why people do what they do - in the workplace and elsewhere: because it's fun, because it entails tangible personal benefits, and/or because it serves a transpersonal purpose. I label these three different types of motivation emotional, cognitive, and purpose-based motivation, respectively. I explain how each is tied to previous concepts in the motivation literature. I then develop propositions on how these three types of motivation operate together and how values determine which of these types of motivation are most important to different individuals. Finally, I develop propositions concerning what leadership behaviors are most effective for different followers who differ with respect to their values and motivational profiles.