__________ is an inner state that energizes, activates or moves and directs behavior towards goals.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Motive
Option (1) Motivation — Incorrect. Motivation is the process of stirring people to act to achieve goals. It is the process, not the inner state itself.
Option (2) Motive — Correct. A motive is the inner state that energises a person and directs his behaviour towards a goal. It arises from a need: hunger, for example, drives a person to look for food.
Option (3) Motivator — Incorrect. A motivator is the technique a manager uses to motivate people, such as pay, bonus or promotion. It works from outside, not from within.
Option (4) Need hierarchy — Incorrect. This is Maslow’s arrangement of human needs in five levels. It is a theory, not an inner state.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Motivation: … (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. …” “(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. …” |
Note: The same/similar question has been asked in different years by NTA as per the details given below:
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| 23-05 S2 21-05 S1 | – | – | 14-06 S1 | – |