The term `Motivation' as it referred in relation to Western construct has a connotation differing in perspective with that of ancient Indian viewpoint. The term is widely used by behavioral scientists, and has assumed significant stature in management science too. The ancient Indian viewpoint is much larger in its perspective and application. The article is an attempt in this direction and limits its scope in simply presenting the facts.

Motive means `the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action towards a desired goal.' The want, need, impulse or drive finds expression through motive. Motive is confined to internal desire of a person. Motive prompts a person to action. There is no limit to needs and desires of a person. Everything cannot be fulfilled, but only the urgent and strongly felt needs becomes motive.

George R Terry defines motivation "as the desire within an individual that stimulates him or her to action". E McFarland defines motivation as "the way in which urges, desires, drives, aspirations, strings or needs direct control or explain the behavior of human beings". CM Memoria defined motivation as "a willingness to expand energy to achieve a goal or reward. It is a force that activates dormant energies and set in motion the action of the people. It is the function that kindles a burning passion for action among the human beings of an organization".

MBA Review Magazine, Ancient Indian Viewpoint, Hierarchy Theory, Self-Actualization, Motivating Factors, ERG Theory, Caturvidha-Purusarthas, Modern Management, Indian Scriptures, Behavioral Scientists, Maslow Hierarchy Theory, Alderfer's ERG Theory , Indian Cultures.