History
Ernest Dichter was called “the Father of Motivation.” He was the first person to analyze the consumer, looking for reasons why one buys a particular product rather than another one of the same make. Some of the biggest companies today relied on his works and their marketing programs reflected Dr. Dichter’s findings.
It’s a common misconception that people work just for the money – just for survival. However, one theory in psychology proves that there is a deeper context in man’s need for survival. American psychologist Abraham Maslow explains that man’s motivation is dependent on the level of his needs. Physical needs are but superficial; man has to feel actual fulfilment in everything he does for him to feel really complete and this drives him to do better in life.
(Further reading: Motivation. Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia, 2003.)