Dan Pink discusses motivation and refers to some of Dan Ariely’s surprising results.

Frederick Herzberg and David McClelland have done a significant amount of work in this area and if motivation is of interest to you, I suggest reading about their work. Herzberg’s hygiene theory, in particular, is absolutely solid

What Pink describes supports my own findings. For a practitioner, the gap between the scientific findings and the regular management practices are both apparent. The lack of volition among the vast majority of managers to change their practices is disconcerting. I am posting this to inspire enough people to reflect on their work and find their way to new exciting heights.

http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pink_on_motivation.html