Skip to main content

UCx: Performance and Motivation at Work

4.3 stars
7 ratings

Learn what factors support high performance at work, including systems, processes, and interpersonal relationships, as part of the Organizational Psychology MicroMasters.

6 weeks
6–8 hours per week
Self-paced
Progress at your own speed
Free
Optional upgrade available

There is one session available:

After a course session ends, it will be archivedOpens in a new tab.
Starts Mar 27
Ends Jun 28

About this course

Skip About this course

High performing employees is one of the most important contributors to successful organizations. But how can high performance be supported? In this course we will cover topics relating to managing for high performance, including motivating employees through goal setting and coaching, measuring performance accurately and fairly, and developing performance to support organizational goals.

We will start by defining performance. Students will be able to describe what performance is and key factors contributing to high performance.

We will then move on to exploring how employees can be motivated to perform – one of the cornerstones of high performance described in our first section. Students will learn about some key models of motivation and how these can be used to motivate employees. Students will be able to describe important factors for a motivating work environment.

Our next section will look at the key features of a good performance management system. Students will be able to describe what factors need to be in place, beyond motivation, and how organizations can design systems and processes to support performance. Students will also learn about the importance of leadership factors such as ongoing provision of feedback and coaching.

Then we will look at performance measurement. Students will be able to describe different approaches, such as measuring results and behavior, and they will be able to describe how criteria and standards are formulated to capture performance. They will also learn about the importance of accuracy (validity) and fairness in performance ratings.

The last section will focus on some recent developments and challenges to performance management. Students will learn about some of the ongoing debates in this area and get an idea of what some have suggested is the future of high performance in organizations.

At a glance

  • Institution: UCx
  • Subject: Business & Management
  • Level: Advanced
  • Prerequisites:

    No specific requirements although it is helpful to have some work experience and some background in HR or Psychology.

  • Language: English
  • Video Transcript: English
  • Associated programs:
  • Associated skills:Goal Setting, Leadership, Industrial And Organizational Psychology, Performance Measurement, Performance Management

What you'll learn

Skip What you'll learn
  • What performance is

  • Models of motivation

  • How leadership, coaching, job design, and rewards support performance

  • How to measure different aspects of performance

  • Planning a performance management system

Who can take this course?

Unfortunately, learners residing in one or more of the following countries or regions will not be able to register for this course: Iran, Cuba and the Crimea region of Ukraine. While edX has sought licenses from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to offer our courses to learners in these countries and regions, the licenses we have received are not broad enough to allow us to offer this course in all locations. edX truly regrets that U.S. sanctions prevent us from offering all of our courses to everyone, no matter where they live.

This course is part of Organizational Psychology MicroMasters Program

Learn more 
Expert instruction
5 graduate-level courses
Self-paced
Progress at your own speed
8 months
6 - 8 hours per week

Interested in this course for your business or team?

Train your employees in the most in-demand topics, with edX For Business.