Motivationsprofile

Motivationsprofile is a structured representation of an individual's motivational drivers, values, and preferences that influence behavior in work and everyday activities. It is used to understand why a person is motivated to take certain tasks, stay engaged, or respond to rewards, and to improve alignment between people and roles, teams, or organizations.

A typical motivationsprofile identifies core motivators across several dimensions, such as achievement, autonomy, mastery, affiliation, security, recognition, influence, and learning. Profiles may also capture work style preferences, decision-making tendencies, risk tolerance, communication style, and preferred work environment. Profiles are usually numerical scores or categorical descriptors derived from assessment data.

Assessment methods include standardized questionnaires, structured interviews, situational judgment tests, and behavioral observations, often complemented by performance data or 360-degree feedback. The development of a motivationsprofile may be centralized in HR processes or created in coaching and development programs. It is considered a tool for improving selection, team design, leadership development, and career planning, by revealing potential motivational drivers and potential mismatches.

Limitations include measurement errors, self-report bias, cultural factors, and the fluid nature of motivation across contexts. Profiles should be used as guides rather than determinants, with attention to privacy, consent, and ethical use, and ideally triangulated with other information. Not every model uses the same dimensions, but all aim to provide a concise, interpretable picture of what motivates a person and how that motivation can be supported or leveraged.