In the study of motivation, which of the following correctly classifi…

In the study of motivation, which of the following correctly classifies affiliation and praise?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 3

The correct answer is Option (3) → Affiliation – motive; Praise – motivator

A motive is an inner state that moves a person towards a goal. It arises out of a need. A motivator is a technique that managers use to motivate people.

Option (1) Affiliation – motivator; Praise – motive — Incorrect. Both are the wrong way round. Affiliation is a need felt inside a person, and praise is given by the manager.

Option (2) Affiliation – motivator; Praise – motivator — Incorrect. Praise is a motivator, but affiliation is not. Affiliation, the need to belong, is felt inside the person, so it is a motive.

Option (3) Affiliation – motive; Praise – motivator — Correct. Affiliation is the inner need to belong and be accepted, so it is a motive. Praise is something a manager gives to make people do their best, so it is a motivator.

Option (4) Affiliation – motive; Praise – motive — Incorrect. Affiliation is a motive, but praise is not. Praise comes from the manager as a technique, so it is a motivator.

NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Motivation … While discussing about motivation, we need to understand three inter related terms — motive, motivation and motivators. Let us try to know about these terms.
(i) Motive: A motive is an inner state that energises, activates or moves and directs behaviour towards goals. Motives arise out of the needs of individuals. Realisation of a motive causes restlessness in the individual which prompts some action to reduce such restlessness. For example, the need for food causes hunger an account of which a man searches for food. Some such motives are – hunger, thirst, security, affiliation, need for comfort, recognition etc.,
(ii) Motivation: Motivation is the process of stimulating people to action to accomplish desired goals. Motivation depends upon satisfying needs of people.
(iii) Motivators: Motivator is the technique used to motivate people in an organisation. Managers use diverse motivators like pay, bonus, promotion, recognition, praise, responsibility etc., in the organisation to influence people to contribute their best. …”