motives

Motives refer to the reasons or driving forces behind an individual's actions or decisions. They encompass personal desires, beliefs, goals, or external influences that encourage someone to behave in a certain way. Understanding motives can offer insight into behavior, whether in personal relationships, professional settings, or broader social contexts. For example, a person might volunteer because they genuinely want to help others (intrinsic motive) or to enhance their resume (extrinsic motive). By exploring motives, we gain a clearer picture of why people act as they do, which can foster empathy and improve communication.