Theory of motivational systems by Martin Ford is a derivative of Sigmund Freud’s ideas, emphasizing the individual’s role within biological, social, and environmental contexts essential to development. MST aims to describe the person-in-context as biologists describe plants within their ecological niches. Ford proposed a model summarizing these factors with a formula:
Achievement = {Motivation x Skill} x Responsive Environment
Ford’s formula suggests that achievement and competence stem from a motivated, skilled, and biologically capable individual interacting with a supportive environment. MST does not replace existing theories but integrates various motivational constructs such as self-efficacy, expectancy, and goal orientation. Effective functioning requires:
1. Motivation to initiate and sustain activities until goals are achieved.
2. Skill to design and execute activities leading to the desired outcomes.
3. Biological structure capable of supporting motivation and skill.
4. A responsive environment that aids progress towards goals.
Research shows motivational constructs significantly impact academic performance, with correlations noted in SAT, ACT, high school GPA, and college entrance exam scores. However, studies linking motivational behavior to performance in college business settings are lacking.