ABSTRACT
Flow is a subjective state experienced when individuals are completely absorbed in an enjoyable activity. It comprises an exclusive, intense concentration on the task at hand, and subsequent enhancement of subjective experience. This chapter discusses the nature of motivation, the current status of work motivation theory, and how the constituent components of flow might help us better understand worker motivation. It presents a few examples of how the construct of flow might contribute to the understanding of the operation and limitations of established industrial and organizational psychology (I/O) theories, as well as how such theories might expand the understanding of the operation and limitations of flow. Goal-setting theory is concerned with the way in which performance goals are established, and the effects of goals on task performance. Research on self-efficacy in the context of goal setting has consistently found support for a positive relationship between self-efficacy and willingness to accept challenging goals.
