The motivation complex: a tribute to James G. and Jessie L. Miller

Motivation involves needs and resources, decision making, communication and feedback, power and influence. These elements are often considered quite separately both in behavioural research and in teaching. The focus of most studies of motivation narrows towards the link between thought and action. Yet there are complex models for each of the separate elements, and all of these models interact. A more complete picture of motivation may be obtained by considering the interactions amongst these elements and between systems. This paper presents models of each of the elements and combines them into a model of the entire motivation complex, in order to emphasize the systemic character of the interactions that lead to motivated behaviour. Miller's living systems theory is employed throughout. Thus the resulting model applies not only to human individuals, but also to the behaviour of all levels of living systems. Routes for further research are suggested. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.