Final answer:
The concept related to individuals being more motivated when in the presence of others is connected to social psychological concepts like the looking-glass self, the generalized other, and the influence of social groups and culture on individual behavior. Key contributors to the understanding of these phenomena include Charles Herbert Cooley, George Herbert Mead, Albert Bandura, and Abraham Maslow.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phenomenon described in the question where individuals are generally more motivated to work hard in the presence of others, seeking approval, and trying to maintain a positive self-image, is tied to various social psychological concepts. Charles Herbert Cooley's looking-glass self is a related concept where we see ourselves through the reactions of others, adjusting our behavior based on their feedback to fit into social standards. Similarly, George Herbert Mead discussed the development of the self through social interaction, introducing the idea of the generalized other, which represents society's behavioral expectations. Moreover, social psychology examines the effects of social influence on motivation, where individuals might behave differently in group settings to align with group norms or to feel part of an in-group.
Factors such as group polarization, groupthink, and in-group bias also contribute to how individuals conform to what they perceive to be the consensus of the group they belong to. Albert Bandura's concept of self-efficacy highlights the role of belief in one's own abilities in motivating behavior. Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs further explores the range of motives from biological to social needs that influence human behavior. Lastly, cultural context also plays a significant role: for instance, in collectivistic cultures, the focus is on group alignment and the greater good, which can also drive individual motivation.