Motivation is the art of getting people to do things or to do things more efficiently or quickly. Motivation of personnel involved in relief activities differs substantially from similar activities in the business sector as such persons may be: 1) part-time staff without a long-term commitment; 2) volunteers; 3) part of the affected population;Finnish National Training and/or 4) assigned from other organizations. Motivation entails goal-directed behaviors directed at satisfaction of individual needs.

This lesson addresses the hierarchical pyramid of motivation including: 1) physiological; 2) safety; 3) social; 4) esteem; and 5) self-actualization and how an individual's personality affects their level of motivation. In addition, personal goals play an important role in determining a persons behavior. Management programs that can be used to increase motivation are discussed including the use of re-wards for good performance. Lastly, methods for behavior modification are included.