This is a very interesting study and I wish i could find more about it. When was it taken, how many people, what age group, etc? All of these are factors on the percentages of each answer. I did expect these to be the generic answers about why most people work. The biggest change I expect would be by age group. Younger people will care more about young people issues: promotions, great bosses, etc. Older workers care more about respect, exciting work, etc. I disagree how money becomes an issue when you’re older (unless you’re being unfairly paid). I fully expect the percentage points to shift as one gets older. I believe everyone has a little bit of motivation in each category throughout their career. If they had to rank them, I definitely believe they would shift over time. It all depends on the mindset of who is answering. There are those who work to work and there are those who work to make a difference.

As many of you said, I too have a mix of motivations. The main reason why I would be demotivated is a bad work environment with unfair pay. A safe healthy work environment is key to keeping happy workers. Projects fail, and every product/job makes a difference. No matter how high or low the position, or how complex or simple the product.