Joy in Work

Abstract

Joy in work results from the satisfaction of the "primary motives," i.e., the instincts of activity, play, construction, curiosity, self-assertion, and possession, and from the "accessory motives," i.e., herd instinct, love of mastery, esthetic gratification, freedom from the feeling that the work is necessary for sustenance, and the feeling that the work has social utility. Joy in work is diminished by monotony, fatigue, unfavorable technical conditions, poor working conditions, insecurity, and a low status accorded to one's work. Case material is given. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)