Constructing a Work Motivation Model Based on “Benefit Delay” and “Benefit Enjoyment”

Abstract

We constructed a work motivation model for professional workers based on “benefit delay,” a key concept we created that represents the time gap between performing actions that produce benefits and their subsequent enjoyment. Labor can be regarded as the investment of production resources of a worker in the execution of their duties, and an opportunity to enjoy the benefit of improved professional competence. We conducted a questionnaire survey to clarify the effect of enjoyment and delay of benefits. The results of the survey showed that the improvement of professional workers’ competence depends on their experience gained through work; therefore, there can be a delay in enjoyment. If the result of investing their resources is delayed and unclear, work motivation may decline, and career changes will be encouraged. However, during a period when the functional benefits are delayed, “emotional benefit” and “perspective benefit” may function complementarily to generate work motivation.