Final answer:
The psychological processes that arouse and direct goal-directed behavior are known as motivation. It includes intrinsic and extrinsic factors and has been a significant area of study in organizational psychology. Factors such as biological drives and cultural influences also affect motivation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The psychological processes that arouse and direct goal-directed behavior are collectively called motivation. Motivation includes all the reasons that drive one to engage in a particular behavior. This can include intrinsic factors, which come from within an individual such as personal satisfaction, and extrinsic factors, which come from outside an individual, such as rewards or recognition from others.
Historically, motivation has been a central topic of study in the field of organizational psychology. Kurt Lewin, often considered the founder of social psychology, contributed significantly to our understanding of human behavior in group and organizational settings. His work, including studies on leadership style and its effects on group dynamics, has deeply influenced theories on what prompts individuals to act in certain ways within organizations.
Motivation is also influenced by biological drives, such as hunger and the need for homeostasis, as well as by social and cultural factors. For instance, collectivistic cultures may place more emphasis on group goals, which can affect the motivations of individuals within that culture.
In summary, when discussing goal-directed behavior within organizational contexts, it is motivation that is the term used to encapsulate the variety of psychological triggers that compel individuals to take action towards achieving objectives.