Motivation vs. Satisfaction — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 22, 2023
Motivation refers to the psychological factors that drive a person to achieve specific goals. Satisfaction is the emotional state of contentment or fulfillment one experiences after achieving a goal.
Difference Between Motivation and Satisfaction
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Motivation and satisfaction are psychological concepts that, while related, serve different functions in understanding human behavior. Motivation pertains to the desires, needs, or influences that drive individuals to act in particular ways. This driving force can be both intrinsic, originating from within the individual, like a passion for a hobby, or extrinsic, coming from external rewards like money or praise. On the other hand, satisfaction refers to the contentment or fulfillment a person feels after achieving a task, goal, or fulfilling a need.
Motivation can be ongoing and often serves as the catalyst for action. For example, a student might be motivated to study hard to secure a good job in the future. Satisfaction, in contrast, is generally a temporary state experienced after the action has been completed. The student might feel satisfaction upon passing an exam but will likely need further motivation to continue succeeding in other areas.
In the workplace, motivation is often actively managed through incentives, job design, and employee engagement initiatives to sustain productivity. Satisfaction, however, is often gauged through surveys or interviews after tasks have been completed to understand employee morale and well-being. Both motivation and satisfaction are important for long-term success, but they occur at different stages in the task or goal-achievement cycle.
In psychological terms, motivation is frequently studied through theories like Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs or Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory, which aim to explain what drives human behavior. Satisfaction, by contrast, is often explored through models like the Satisfaction with Life Scale or customer satisfaction surveys. While both terms address the antecedents and consequences of behavior, motivation focuses on what prompts action, and satisfaction focuses on the emotional outcomes of those actions.
Comparison Chart
Pertains to
Driving forces
Resulting state
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Temporality
Ongoing
Generally temporary
Studied through
Needs and drive theories
Satisfaction scales and surveys
Workplace relevance
Used to prompt action
Used to gauge morale after action
Emotional/ Psychological State
Could be tense or eager
Usually content or fulfilled
Compare with Definitions
Motivation
Motivation is often a subject of psychological study.
Motivation is a core concept in behavioral psychology.
Satisfaction
Satisfaction is the emotional state experienced after achieving a goal.
He felt great satisfaction after completing the marathon.
Motivation
Motivation is the psychological drive that initiates action.
Her motivation to become a doctor came from her desire to help people.
Satisfaction
Satisfaction can be temporary and specific to individual events.
The satisfaction of eating a good meal is often short-lived.
Motivation
Motivation can be intrinsic or extrinsic.
His motivation to read is intrinsic; he just loves learning.
Satisfaction
Satisfaction is often maeasured through surveys in a corporate setting.
Employee satisfaction surveys help gauge workplace morale.
Motivation
Motivation can be influenced by individual needs and desires.
The athlete's motivation is fueled by a need for recognition and achievement.
Satisfaction
Satisfaction can be affected by expectations.
Satisfaction often depends on whether the outcome met or exceeded expectations.
Motivation
Motivation is what explains why people or animals initiate, continue or terminate a certain behavior at a particular time. Motivational states are commonly understood as forces acting within the agent that create a disposition to engage in goal-directed behavior.
Satisfaction
The fulfillment or gratification of a desire, need, or appetite
Wanted more space and found satisfaction in a new apartment.
Motivation
The act or process of motivating
The coach's effective motivation of her players.
Satisfaction
Pleasure or contentment derived from such gratification
Took satisfaction in being vindicated.
Motivation
The state of being motivated; having a desire or willingness to act
Students with a high level of motivation.
Satisfaction
An instance of being satisfied or a source of gratification
"Cultivate some artistic talent, for you will find it the most durable of satisfactions" (Randolph Bourne).
Motivation
Something that motivates; an inducement, reason, or goal
“If your primary motivation in life is to be moral, you don't become an artist” (Mary Gordon).
Satisfaction
Assurance beyond doubt or question; complete conviction
You must prove your case to the satisfaction of the court.
Motivation
Willingness of action especially in behavior.
Satisfaction
Compensation for injury or loss; reparation.
Motivation
The action of motivating.
Satisfaction
The opportunity to avenge a wrong; vindication.
Motivation
Something which motivates.
Satisfaction
A fulfilment of a need or desire.
Motivation
An incentive or reason for doing something.
Satisfaction
The pleasure obtained by such fulfillment.
Motivation
(advertising) A research rating that measures how the rational and emotional elements of a commercial affect consumer intention to consider, visit, or buy something.
The motivation scores showed that 65% of people wanted to visit our website to learn more about the offer after watching the commercial.
Satisfaction
The source of such gratification.
Motivation
The act or process of motivating.
Satisfaction
A reparation for an injury or loss.
Motivation
The mental process that arouses an organism to action; as, a large part of a teacher's job is to give students the motivation to learn on their own.
Satisfaction
A vindication for a wrong suffered.
The count demanded satisfaction in the form of a duel at dawn.
Motivation
The goal or mental image of a goal that creates a motivation{2}; as, the image of a peaceful world is a powerful motivation for only a rare few individuals.
Satisfaction
The act of satisfying, or the state of being satisfied; gratification of desire; contentment in possession and enjoyment; repose of mind resulting from compliance with its desires or demands.
The mind having a power to suspend the execution and satisfaction of any of its desires.
Motivation
The psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior;
We did not understand his motivation
He acted with the best of motives
Satisfaction
Settlement of a claim, due, or demand; payment; indemnification; adequate compensation.
We shall make full satisfaction.
Motivation
The condition of being motivated;
His motivation was at a high level
Satisfaction
That which satisfies or gratifies; atonement.
Die he, or justice must; unless for himSome other, able, and as willing, payThe rigid satisfaction, death for death.
Motivation
The act of motivating; providing incentive
Satisfaction
The contentment you feel when you have done something right;
The chef tasted the sauce with great satisfaction
Motivation
Motivation is often managed through incentives in a workplace.
Employee motivation increased after implementing performance bonuses.
Satisfaction
State of being gratified; great satisfaction;
Dull repetitious work gives no gratification
To my immense gratification he arrived on time
Satisfaction
Compensation for a wrong;
We were unable to get satisfaction from the local store
Satisfaction
Act of fulfilling a desire or need or appetite;
The satisfaction of their demand for better services
Satisfaction
Satisfaction is also a subject of psychological study.
Researchers use various scales to measure life satisfaction.
Common Curiosities
What is motivation?
Motivation is the psychological drive or force that initiates action or behavior.
Is satisfaction a permanent state?
Generally, satisfaction is a temporary emotional state experienced after a specific event or achievement.
Can you be motivated but not satisfied?
Yes, it's possible to be motivated to achieve a goal but not feel satisfied if the outcome does not meet expectations.
How is motivation managed in the workplace?
In workplaces, motivation is often managed through various incentives, employee engagement programs, and job design.
Is motivation a permanent state?
No, motivation can fluctuate and is often influenced by various factors such as incentives, needs, and desires.
How is satisfaction usually measured?
Satisfaction is often measured using surveys, questionnaires, or scales designed to assess contentment or fulfillment.
Can you be satisfied but not motivated?
Yes, you can feel satisfied after achieving a specific task but lack motivation for future tasks.
What is satisfaction?
Satisfaction is the emotional state of contentment or fulfillment experienced after achieving a goal or meeting a need.
Can motivation be both intrinsic and extrinsic?
Yes, motivation can be intrinsic, coming from within, or extrinsic, influenced by external factors like rewards.
How is satisfaction assessed in the workplace?
Satisfaction in the workplace is usually assessed through employee satisfaction surveys or interviews.
Are motivation and satisfaction connected?
While they are distinct concepts, motivation can lead to actions that result in satisfaction when goals are achieved.
Is motivation a subject of psychological study?
Yes, motivation is a central topic in psychology and is studied through various theories and models.
What can affect satisfaction levels?
Factors like expectations, the achievement of goals, and the meeting of needs can influence satisfaction levels.
What can affect motivation levels?
Factors like personal needs, desires, incentives, and external conditions can influence motivation levels.
Is satisfaction a subject of psychological study?
Yes, satisfaction is studied in psychology, often through scales that measure life satisfaction or contentment.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
