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The Archetype Effect. Unlocking The Six Types of Motivation at Work. Edition No. 1

  • Book

  • 224 Pages
  • March 2025
  • John Wiley and Sons Ltd
  • ID: 6008477

An in-depth, research-backed exploration of the answers to worker motivation

Based on an extensive global research program conducted in nineteen countries around the world surveying over forty-eight thousand people, The Archetype Effect delivers a new framework to understand and cater to worker motivators across roles, industries, and organizations. This book shows how workers can be classified into six major archetypes based on their motivations, and describes how recent disruptions, such as gig work, remote work and AI-assisted automation, are impacting worker motivators overall.

The archetypes discussed in this book include:

  • Givers: Driven by helping others, thrive in collaborative environments
  • Operators: Value stability and teamwork, prefer clear instructions and minimal risks
  • Explorers: Seek variety, creativity, and new experiences, prefer flexibility and innovation
  • Artisans: Motivated by mastery and pride in their work, prefer autonomy and focus on quality
  • Strivers: Ambitious and career-oriented, motivated by recognition and advancement
  • Pioneers: Visionary and entrepreneurial, driven by creating and often leading new ventures


The Archetype Effect
is an enlightening read for anyone wanting a new way to understand what motivates them at work every day, or looking for a language to talk about current role, future choices, and career options with their firm. It is also for all leaders seeking to apply these insights across an organization to increase employee wellbeing, performance, and retention.

Table of Contents

Prologue ix

Introduction: The Mystery and the Moment xiii

1 Old Norms, New Norms 1

2 The Six Archetypes 31

3 Putting Archetypes to Work 67

4 Leaders 87

5 Energy, Stress, and Wellness 117

6 Older and Younger, Women and Men 131

7 Good Jobs 153

Epilogue 165

Notes 169

Acknowledgments 177

About the Author 179

Index 181

Authors

James Root