The relationship between work motivation and productivity: Bibliometric analysis of articles from 1953 to 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Motivation plays an important role in helping humans take action and work effectively and efficiently. It is important to understand the relationship between work motivation and productivity and to examine the factors associated with them. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis of publications on motivation and productivity between 1953 and 2024 and to determine the main findings, most popular variables, and methodologies in these publications. METHODS: Data were downloaded from the Scopus database and 3363 articles on the subject published between 1954 and 2024 were examined. A comprehensive bibliometric analysis was performed using the Biblioshiny application of the Bibliometrix package and the VOSviewer program. RESULTS: The study showed an increase in work motivation and productivity publications. The USA, the most cited, collaborative, and productive country, leads all studies. The study presents the most productive authors in this field, the most published journals, the most productive countries, the most used keywords by authors, and trending topics. CONCLUSIONS: Developing appropriate working conditions and strategies that will increase the motivation of humans can maximize their potential and productivity. Especially psychology and management, studies are carried out in many fields such as education, health, and engineering. This research provides future researchers with a roadmap to in-depth exploration of the field and potential advances.