Psychological theories Motivation can be conceived of as a cycle in which thoughts influence behaviors, behaviors drive performance, performance affects thoughts, and the cycle begins again. Each stage of the cycle is composed of many dimensions including attitudes, beliefs, intentions, effort, and withdrawal which can all affect the motivation that an individual experiences. Most psychological theories hold that motivation exists purely within the individual, but socio-cultural theories express motivation as an outcome of participation in actions and activities within the cultural context of social groups. Natural theories Edit The natural system assumes that people have that suggests people dislike work and only respond to rewards and punishment. According to McGregor's Theory Y , human behavior is based on satisfying a hierarchy of needs: physiological, safety, social, ego, and self-fulfillment . Physiological needs are the l...