The term motivation is derived from English word- Motive, and it is borrowed from the Latin word – “Movere:. The meaning of “Movere” is to move. Motives mean the drives, needs, desires, wants or impulses within the individuals. The needs give rise to motivate and to satisfy the needs, people may be motivated to work hard.

Motivation is a human factor in management. Motivation represents the willingness of an individual to put his efforts in a particular direction so as to achieve his goals. Motivation is what makes people perform or do the things. It energizes behavior of subordinates and directs them to perform the assigned activity by using their zeal and enthusiasm. Motivation is important to both organization and individual. To achieve organizational goals, motivation has become very effective tools and a manager has to use this tool to motivate or inspire the staff member in their respective job in such a manner that they could work effectively and efficiently.

According to Dale S. Beach , ‘Motivation can be defined as a willingness to expand energy to achieve a goal or reward.’

According to Harold Koontz and Heinz Weihrich, ‘ Motivation is a general term applying to the entire class of drives, desires, needs, wishes.'

In conclusion, motivation is the act of inspiring and encouraging employees to devotes maximum efforts for the achievement organizational objectives.