Title: Does anyone care? - A study on how autonomy, competence and relatedness impact motivation and job performance among university lecturers and professional sports coaches. 

Level: Student Thesis, Final Assignment for Bachelor Degree in Business Administration

Authors: Jakob Sanfridsson and Lina Tollsten

Supervisor: Monika Wallmon

Date: 2024, January

Aim: To investigate and analyse motivational factors among university lecturers and professional sports coaches, based on the self-determination theory. By identifying similarities and differences in the motivational drivers for these two groups, the study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of how various factors affect motivation within different professional fields.

Method: Mixed method approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative techniques, with an emphasis on the qualitative part. Quantitative part in the form of a survey to examine autonomous and controlled motivation. Qualitative part consisting of semi-structured interviews based on the Basic Psychological Needs Theory and the three themes of autonomy, competence, and relatedness.

Results and conclusions: Shows that high satisfaction of the three basic psychological needs autonomy, competence, and relatedness, where relatedness proves to have a particular significance for these professional groups, is strongly correlated with a high level of autonomous motivation in both teachers and coaches. The study highlights the importance of tailored strategies to meet these motivational needs to enhance work performance and satisfaction in these professional groups. It emphasizes the importance of considering the unique aspects of different work roles in motivation strategies to effectively strengthen motivation and engagement.

Contribution of the thesis: Provides practical guidelines for school leaders and sports boards on how to work with their employees to maintain motivation. Theoretically, it contributes to a deeper understanding of Self-determination theory by exploring how its basic psychological needs affect motivation in these professions. The study underscores the importance of tailored strategies to meet specific motivational needs, which can improve work performance and satisfaction.

Suggestions for future studies: The research would benefit from exploring other psychological needs beyond those focused on by Self-determination theory, to gain a broader understanding of motivational processes in the workplace.

Keyword: Self-determination theory, Autonomy, Competence, Relatedness, Leadership, Motivation