Strategic Leadership and Motivation: Exploring Cognitive Theories and GRIT Traits

Abstract

Summary During the 20th century, significant investments were made in the improvement of individuals who would manage change, plan and solve problems well. The development of corporate leaders is becoming one of the priorities, as well as creating individuals who will know how to create and convey the vision and strategy of the company. In this process, it is crucial to select individuals to whom motivational models can be applied and to locate GRIT personality traits. Numerous theorists throughout history have been researching the concept of motivation, defining it and discovering the factors that motivate individuals. The study of motivation encompasses a wide range of assumptions, hypotheses, theories, findings, and areas of application. Understanding them helps the company and managers to understand themselves and others in the workplace better, all with the aim of increasing the chances of success in an individual’s career as well as raising the level of success of the company. Different theories try to explain the overall motivation, theoretical questions or motivational problems, and tendencies that concern a certain group of people. We live in times when organisations are under great pressure to reduce costs, improve the quality of products and services, find new opportunities for growth, and increase work efficiency. In this paper, we will consider cognitive theories of motivation and the factors that could be positive and relevant to the success of companies and managers. At the same time, we discuss theories of motivation, such as Weiner’s Attribution Theory, Locke’s Goal Theory, and Vroom’s VIE Model. Before presenting these theories, the theoretical framework of research on motivational dimensions is considered. We also emphasise the GRIT model of traits that we believe are applicable in the development of an individual’s career and in raising success at the individual and corporate levels.