Work motivation and performance: A social identity perspective

Work motivation and performance were analysed from the perspective of socia l identity theory and self-categorisation theory. Central in this analysis is the relation of organisational identification with the motivation to exe rt effort on behalf of the collective. A theoretical analysis as well as a review of empirical studies of the relationship of organisational identific ation with motivation and performance leads to the conclusion that identifi cation is positively related to work motivation, task performance, and cont extual performance to the extent that (a) social identity is salient, and ( b) high performance is perceived to be in the group's or organisation's int erest.