Basic Motivation and Personality in R & D Management

Abstract

ABSTRACT The hierarchy of needs and concept of basic motivation proposed by Maslow have been widely accepted for the understanding they provide of management. Recently, a concept of decision style based on Jungian personality types has also been found useful in explaining some aspects of management. In this paper the two concepts are taken together to provide a better understanding of the individual scientist and therefore of research management. This concept of the ‘whole person’ is used to explain a number of issues. Objective evaluation of proposal benefits is more likely to be advocated by the thinking personality type, and more likely to be accepted by scientists who have fewer security needs. Objective selection procedures appeal to thinking personality types, and the subjective approach is preferred by feeling types. The advantages of both approaches are appreciated by the more creative scientists and administrators. Early adopters of innovation appear to have many of the characteristics of Maslow's self‐actualising individuals. The matrix organisational structure is seen to require a degree of self‐actualising behaviour in its participants before it will succeed.