Applying motivation theory to Dylan Harper in Friends with Benefits

Personality, Motivation and Managing Staff

Personality, Motivation Managing Staff

The purpose of this report is to demonstrate the ability to form an accurate understanding of people and to apply theory appropriately. To do this, I have studied English Character is Dylan Harper played by Justin Timberlake, in the movie Friends with Benefits. This report seeks to apply course theory, and develop actions (the actions can be initiated by others, managers, work colleagues, family members and/or by the characters themselves). In effect, this report has used the movie Friends with Benefits as an enriched case study that allows viewers to explore the complexity and subtlety of workplace behavior and, crucially, the critical application of course theory. This report is enthralling to read because it is based on a character whose behavior is richly depicted and open to multiple interpretations. Ultimately, this report analyzes Dylan Harper using course ideas and materials. The analysis will be essential in determining form of managerial actions relevant in improving the Dylan Harper's level of motivation (Wojtkowski, 2009).

This report has been structured on the ordinary life formula of Dylan Harper based on the concept of mutual relationship between two friends. These friends engage naughty activities when they are in the appropriate mood and in private. Indeed, they are not committed to their relationship. As the movies proceeds, Dylan Harper ends up loving Jamie. However, these feelings towards Jamie remain silent until when he introduces her to his parents. For the first time, they become intimate despite not being emotional previously. When Dylan Harper' sister (Annie) finds out about his brother's relationship, he is shocked. According to Annie, Dylan Harper should proceed and marry Jamie. On the other hand, Dylan Harper argues, "it is not right to be with Jamie that way because she is too fucked up." This statement did not please Jamie who happened to have overheard the conversation between Dylan Harper and his sister. As the movie winds up, Jamie and Dylan Harper reconcile and they start dating. It ends as the tow characters enter into a relationship as a couple (Latham, 2007).

Section One

(b) Dylan Harper played by Justin Timberlake

I have chosen to study Dylan Harper played by Justin Timberlake. I made this choice because Dylan Harper gives the movie a natural lead and movie development. I have used this enriched character to explore the complexity and subtlety of workplace behavior and, crucially, the critical application of course theory. I have chosen this character because his behavior is richly depicted and open to multiple interpretations. Through the analysis of Dylan Harper, it will be possible to establish the motivation required based on the character exhibited (Davies & Hertig, 2008). Harper is a lively and fresh character taking a romantic role with real surprises. As a viewer of this film, he has demonstrated the usual way of playing romance. As the movies progress, the underlying motivation of Harper is revealed, which pushes him to enter into a relationship with Jamie. From the onset of the movie, this character has been taking a lead until the end where he becomes emotional. This character has his cliches and cannot evade conventions. However, watching him is surprising and at times, he is a fun and touching character to watch. This character inhibits an upbeat heart rate and is memorable. In fact, I can recall most of his actions (Murray, Poole & Jones, 2006).

Obviously, Harper has enjoyed enormous benefits by taking a leading performance. He has exuded a gorgeous allure and easily delivered a sharp personality that displays natural comedy. This is common given his record of accomplishment. Critics believing that Timberlake is incapable of acting should go back to the drawing board; they should acknowledge that he is capable of delivering certain parts. For example, he has revealed himself as a perfect comedian evident in his confident jokes and ability to fire banters. In this movie, he has been delicate in displaying a wide range of dramatic parts. Without the charming character of Dylan, this movie would have diminished (Robbins, 2009).

C. Dylan Harper's personality

The movie Friends with Benefits enjoys high pitch and perfect performance from Harper, the lead actor. This character has delivered a sharp personality and exhibits a gorgeous allure that displays a natural comedian. His record of accomplishment supports this. Timberlake is a high-end performing character perfect at delivering certain parts exceedingly well. Harper is a confident joker delicately displaying a wide range of dramatic scenes in an array of settings. He is a heartbreaking and charming character as an emotionally challenged individual, who has fallen in love (Herzog, (2011).

Additionally, Dylan is a threat and shines thus stealing the entire show at any given moment. He is the most significant character giving a poignant and brilliant performance. This character delicately displays a balance between outrageous instances, clarity and confusion moments. Throughout his performance, he engages the viewer compelling the viewer to want to hug him on the claims that he is just acting. This real life emotionally character has succeeded in elevating the score of the viewer. Through his emotions, he finds a way to romantic scenes, not as a plot strategy or a comedian but rather a remarkably meaningful way. This is vital for the development of character. Timberlake has portrayed himself as a delicate character blending as an emotionally challenged character who has fallen in love. He has brought out the charm in the movie, which would not have been achieved by any other character (Latham, 2007).

(d) Dylan Harper's motivation

Price (2007) is of the belief that Dylan has a deficiency, which is activating his behavior. His motivations are stemming from within himself while part of it is stimulated by external variables such as beauty. These factors motivate him to pursue intimacy as a form of fulfilling his sexual desires. This is the motivation behind his behavior; his behavior is not pleasing other people including his family members. He is mainly driven by sexual drives motivating him because it is necessary for his survival. His sexual desire is deeply rooted to his brain. Murray, Murray, Poole and Jones, (2006) found that this is natural for all human beings based on the fact that hormonal secretions move across blood stream to the human brain stimulating sexual desires. The hormonal foundation of Dylan's sexual drives is biologically referred to as testosterone.

Dylan is sexually aggressive because he has more testosterone than his sexual partner Jamie does. For this reason, he spends most of time having sexual fantasies, thinking about sex, fantasizing about varieties of sex and seeking sex. This has made him forsake significant things for sexual fulfillment, develop permissive sexual attitudes, and raise complaints about his partner's low sexual drive. This is a perfect example of extrinsic stimuli and rewards. This has forced Dylan to promise Jamie that he will treat her if she performs as required. From this treatment, Dylan is motivated to perform consistent tricks even after removing the treat from the process (Murray, Poole & Jones, 2006).

Klobas and Jackson (2008) discovered that incentive theory is evident in this case. This is where Dylan presents a number of tangible rewards with the primary purpose of developing a repetitive pattern of sexual activities with his partner. He does this by associating his behavior with positive meaning. According to researchers, significant results are attained if the person receives immediate results. On the other hand, delays in giving rewards are likely to decrease the rate of impact. Dylan has combined his rewards and sexual actions thus making his sexual actions to progress into a habit. His motivation stems from two main sources: other people and himself. The two are commonly known as extrinsic and intrinsic motivation.

From Maslow's perspective, a reinforcer stimulates Dylan by increasing the frequency or magnitude of future response and performance. Maslow argues that this movie is based on the cognitive approach. Conversely, high chances of increased future sexual activities demonstrate positive reinforcement. A contingent of external and internal reinforcing stimulus reinforces his sexual drive. Poor response is likely to result in negative reinforcement. Changes in stimulating factors occur due to alterations in magnitude and presentation of positive drives. In this regard, Dylan is motivated by external factors hence the theory of distinguishing between extrinsic and intrinsic drivers are irrelevant (Hoffmann, 2007).

(e) The managerial actions that would:

(i) Increase Dylan Harper's level of motivation and,

We may emphasize a lot about this movie, but Dylan would gain motivation through different aspects and different persons. This fact makes a necessity of identifying these aspects and applying them with every partner with immediate effect. The most effective mechanism of finding out about these aspects is by implementing appraisal for Dylan. If Dylan can be easily supervised and controlled, it becomes also easy to find out on his motivation: the appraisal process will not be a necessity. In case, family members cannot supervise and control Dylan, it is effective for the duty to be delegated to supervisors and assistants for identification of the issues of motivation (Wojtkowski, 2009).

Latham (2007) believes that for Dylan to be motivated, he needs an appropriate approach to be implemented (this might depend on whether Dylan wants non-financial incentives or financial incentives). This will rely heavily on Dylan's aspects of motivation, his sex partner, and resources. In the end, he will not be able to account for the salary increase and bonuses, which translates to non-financial incentives being implemented. Poor wage and salary might be a factor leading to dissatisfaction of Dylan within the sexual context. This case proves difficult for non-financial incentives to be effective in the course of motivating an individual. The need of balancing the two arises.

Decrease the level of motivation for Dylan Harper

The most basic and significant four pillars of the pyramid include what Maslow terms as 'd-needs' or 'deficiency needs': physical needs, friendship, esteem, love and security. If the above needs are not well taken care of, a physical notification might present itself that Dylan is tense and anxious. The theory of Maslow suggests that before the secondary needs or the higher level needs are desired the most basic and fundamental level of needs must be addressed. Maslow also came up with the term Meta-motivation for description of Dylan's motivation that exceed the opportunity of his basic needs and struggle for fulfillment of sexual desires (Klobas & Jackson, 2008)

The human brain and mind have parallel and complex processes that run at the same time. In this case, therefore, various motivations according to Maslow's hierarchy can come into place at the same time. Maslow described these levels clearly and their satisfaction in primary, general and relative terms. Maslow stated that instead of Dylan focusing on sexual needs at a given time, he stated that the certain need dominates the whole of Dylan's organism. This is the reason behind Maslow's acknowledgement of the likelihood of various levels of motivation occurring at the same time in the mind of a human being. He put more focus on the most basic forms of motivation and in the hierarchy in which they were to be met (Hoffmann, 2007).

Psychological needs: These are the human survival physical requirements. If these requirements are not taken care of, they may cause malfunctioning and failure of the body. This suggests that Dylan may not be able to perform his sexual duties. These psychological needs are perceived to be the most fundamental and require first priority. All animal including humans require water, air, metabolic needs, and food to survive. Shelter and clothing provide the required protection from the aspects. The maintenance of adequate birth rate governs the amount of Dylan's sexual instinct. The said instinct may also be shaped by sexual competition (Robbins, 2009).

Love and belonging: After the fulfillment of safety and psychological needs, the third level in the hierarchy of needs is interpersonal and is inclusive of sense of belonging. This sense is very intense during childhood and may go beyond safety need as seen in children who live with abusive parents. Insufficiencies existing in this level of the Maslow's hierarchy are caused by ostracism, shunning, neglect, and hospitalism. They may arise from the ability of Dylan to maintain his emotional relationships significantly such as family, intimacy, and friendship. Dylan also has the desire to be respected resulting in the boosting of his self-esteem (Robbins, 2009).

Section Two

General lessons

Before doing this course, I presumed that there were no external factors attributed to the success of an individual. This perception has changed because I have learned that self-concept is retained even after failure or success because it is usually linked to external variable. Similarly, I had the belief that people performed well because they were naturally good at what they do. In this context, when an individual experiences difficulty or failure, the person must lower expectation for self-esteem to be maintained. Nevertheless, it has come to my attention that when an individual has high expectations or great efforts for success, such an individual will be motivated to persevere. This is the case even with the existence of artificial obstacles because the self-esteem of an individual is not attributed to immediate success (Kusluvan, 2010).

From my own work, I can conclude that people seek balance in their life resist expectations or influence to change. Therefore, growth and change is based on biological developments. Cognitive human maturity leads to growth and development of thinking processes and knowledge institutions such as paradigms. The two are accurately revised to reflect how an individual understands the world (Price, 2007).