I work for a firm that does research for companies planning to expand or relocate in foreign countries. In order to make certain predictions, we needed a behavioral model and turned to the social sciences to find one. We found models, all right, lots and lots of them�such a dizzying array of models that we became far more confused than enlightened. So, we decided to construct our own. I won�t bore you with the process.
The motivator for our model is what we labeled the Will, (capitalized to avoid confusion with its more common usage) and is defined as a strong, fixed purpose or determination for self-gratification. This definition is actually derived from the basic survival behaviors found in Paul D. MacLean�s R-complex of the brain. Each behavior requires some effort or determination on the part of the animal and, if successful, each behavior results in some form of self-gratification (i.e. restoring, maintaining or enhancing well-being�as perceived by the animal, not the observer.)
In animals that have the ability to learn�to associate cause and effect (relative to the Will) and the memory to recall this association�learning can serve as a modifier of the Will. In humans, for instance, we can develop concepts (belief systems or memes) that actually define what constitutes well-being. Thus, the pattern and consistency of behavior rests with the type of belief systems/memes an individual learns, what priority they are given, and how deeply these belief systems are ingrained.
I sometimes use the analogy of a cannonball and the cannon barrel to describe the relationship between nature (self-organizing?) and nurture (interactive?) . Nature�the Will�is the cannonball and it�s going to fly through the air. But, it is nurture�learning�that determines the cannonball�s trajectory.
Our model works like a champ in making predictions. With your interest in behavioral motivation, perhaps you will find this bit of it useful.
Lee