
Rethinking Motivation and Reward Management
What We Know and Do not Know
Zheni Wang(Author)
Edward Elgar Publishing
Published on 13. June 2025
Book
Hardback
112 pages
978-1-0353-3915-0 (ISBN)
Description
This innovative book examines the controversial relationship between motivation and rewards from multiple theoretical and practical perspectives. It analyzes cutting-edge research on work motivation and the economic and psychological roots of modern reward management and identifies future directions for advancement in the field.
Dr. Zheni Wang explores the motivational impacts of major aspects of rewards, such as compensation and benefits, equities, recognitions, training and development, and well-being. She challenges assumptions and misconceptions, including the notion that money is the only motivator and that the same reward can incentivize all employees. The book provides evidence-based strategies to effectively address diverse and dynamic motivational challenges for employee engagement, discussing how to offer autonomy and meaningful feedback, tailor rewards to task types, and cultivate a supportive work environment for a rewarding work experience. Dr. Wang illustrates the importance of rethinking motivation and reward systems in the post-Covid period when facing rapid technological advancements, advocating for a more comprehensive and adaptive approach that considers employees' individual and collective needs to achieve sustainable business success.
This book greatly benefits students and scholars of business leadership, strategic HR management, employment relations, organizational behavior, and industrial psychology. It is also a crucial resource for practitioners and policymakers in management, human resources, and consultancy.
Dr. Zheni Wang explores the motivational impacts of major aspects of rewards, such as compensation and benefits, equities, recognitions, training and development, and well-being. She challenges assumptions and misconceptions, including the notion that money is the only motivator and that the same reward can incentivize all employees. The book provides evidence-based strategies to effectively address diverse and dynamic motivational challenges for employee engagement, discussing how to offer autonomy and meaningful feedback, tailor rewards to task types, and cultivate a supportive work environment for a rewarding work experience. Dr. Wang illustrates the importance of rethinking motivation and reward systems in the post-Covid period when facing rapid technological advancements, advocating for a more comprehensive and adaptive approach that considers employees' individual and collective needs to achieve sustainable business success.
This book greatly benefits students and scholars of business leadership, strategic HR management, employment relations, organizational behavior, and industrial psychology. It is also a crucial resource for practitioners and policymakers in management, human resources, and consultancy.
Reviews / Votes
'The old managerial formula that "rewards promote motivation" needs serious revision. Debunking many of the myths surrounding employee motivation, Dr. Wang revisits the question of how to compensate employees, summarizing current research and outlining best practices. Going beyond pay, Dr. Wang also highlights what makes work rewarding, and worthy of an employee's best efforts. This book will be a useful resource for organizational researchers, as well as managers and motivators everywhere.' -- Richard M Ryan, Australian Catholic University, AustraliaMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Cheltenham
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 138 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-0353-3915-0 (9781035339150)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Zheni Wang, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Management, Department of Management, School of Business, Southern Connecticut State University, USA
Content
Contents
Preface
1 Introduction: we have always been thinking about
motivation and rewards
2 What we know about human motivation: motivation as a
science
3 What we are yet to know about motivation
4 What we know about rewards
5 What we do not know about rewards
6 Inconclusive conclusion: looking into the future of
motivation and rewards
References
Preface
1 Introduction: we have always been thinking about
motivation and rewards
2 What we know about human motivation: motivation as a
science
3 What we are yet to know about motivation
4 What we know about rewards
5 What we do not know about rewards
6 Inconclusive conclusion: looking into the future of
motivation and rewards
References