WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MOTIVATIONAL PRACTICES AND COMPETENCE? —THE MODERATION ROLE OFTRAINING MOTIVATION

Abstract

This research explored the impact of motivational practices on competency development among Taiwanese insurance professionals, employing a quantitative approach with 109 participants. The study's theoretical framework incorporated Maslow's hierarchy of needs, Herzberg's two-factor theory, and the iceberg competence model to analyze how different motivational factors influence competency development, with training motivation as a moderating variable.

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs explains how individuals prioritize motivation from basic survival to self-actualization, shaping their professional development. Meanwhile, Herzberg’s theory distinguishes hygiene factors from motivators and underscores the role of intrinsic motivation in competence development.The iceberg competence model illustrated the visible and hidden aspects of competency, highlighting the depth of skills and attributes that motivational practices can enhance.

SPSS analysis included descriptive statistics, reliability and factor analyses, Pearson correlations, and hierarchical regression. Two hypotheses were tested: (1) motivational practices positively relate to competence, and (2) training motivation moderates this relationship. Results partially supported the hypotheses: both perceived importance and training motivation significantly predicted competence, but the moderating effect of training motivation was inconsistent, particularly when motivational practices were highly rated.

By integrating these theoretical models, the study underscores the complexity of motivational influences on competency development. While motivational practices positively influence competence, the role of training motivation is more intricate than initially hypothesized. Future research should utilize multi-source data and expand beyond the insurance industry to further explore these dynamics.