THE FUNCTION OF MOTIVATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ENTERPRISE SECURITY: THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

Abstract

Significant changes in the external and internal environments of domestic enterprises have led to the emergence and intensification of a new type of enterprise activity — its security. Security as a new functional aspect of enterprise activity becomes an object of management, where motivation plays a crucial role. This article clarifies the concepts of motive, work motivation, employee motivation, employee stimulation, and employee encouragement. In the context of managing enterprise activity, particular attention is paid to staff motivation. The paper analyzes the characteristics, limitations, and practical applicability of two main approaches to understanding employee motivation — the personalized and the incentive-based approaches. The limitations of content and process theories of motivation as theoretical foundations for securing enterprise activity highlight the need for an alternative explanation. It is proposed to interpret the essence of motivation through the lens of microsociology and P. Blau’s exchange theory at the macro level. According to these perspectives, motivation in ensuring enterprise security is based on reciprocal interaction between the employee and the enterprise, where both parties offer value or resources expecting mutual benefit. The article also addresses the impact of cognitive distortions on this interaction, which hinder both parties from objectively evaluating the benefits and costs involved. The theoretical insights provided — grounded in microsociological theory, exchange theory, and the behavioral paradigm — should be further operationalized to develop effective models and mechanisms for motivating enterprise security.