Rethinking Motivation and Reward Management: What We Know and Do not Know

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.

Zheni Wang, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Management, Department of Management, School of Business, Southern Connecticut State University, USA