The HCL Review Podcast

Unlocking Human Potential: Motivation Theory in Organizational Settings, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: Motivation remains one of the most critical yet complex drivers of organizational performance and individual wellbeing. This article synthesizes contemporary motivation theory—including self-determination theory, social cognitive theory, goal-orientation frameworks, and attribution theory—to provide evidence-based guidance for practitioners navigating workforce engagement challenges. Drawing on recent empirical research and organizational case examples across healthcare, technology, and manufacturing sectors, we demonstrate how understanding the interplay between intrinsic drivers (autonomy, competence, relatedness) and extrinsic factors (incentives, recognition, structure) enables leaders to design interventions that sustain performance while fostering psychological wellbeing. The analysis reveals that organizations achieving superior outcomes integrate multiple motivational levers simultaneously, adapting approaches to individual differences and contextual demands. We propose a three-pillar framework for building long-term motivational capability: psychological contract evolution, distributed motivational leadership, and continuous learning systems.

The 17% Solution - How Dual Transformation Capability Drives Talent Retention and Financial Performance

Learn more about Dr. Westover's research, "Strategic Human Resource Management in the Dual TransformationEra: Integrating Post-Pandemic Work Redesign with Industry 4.0/5.0 Technologies."

Anchoring, Hybridizing, Pioneering - The Three Ethical Identity Strategies for Navigating Digital Gray Zones

Learn more about Dr. Westover's research, "Identity Work in Ethical Gray Zones: How Professional Identity Shapes Emotional Decision-Making in Boundary-Spanning Digital Work."

The Crucial Power Shift: Why Sustainability Goals Fail Without Collaborative Governance and Tech Transparency

Learn more about Dr. Westover's research, "Navigating Power Dynamics in Sustainability Transformation: ExtendingIntegration Mechanisms Across Organizational Boundaries."

Theory-Driven Innovation in Organizations: From Combinatorial Possibilities to Practical Breakthroughs, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: Organizations face astronomical numbers of potential innovation pathways, yet most successfully navigate toward useful combinations of ideas, technologies, and processes. This article examines how theory-driven experimentation generates combinatorial salience within organizational contexts, enabling practitioners to identify promising innovations among indefinite possibilities. Drawing on recent advances in combinatorial innovation theory and cognitive science, we argue that organizational innovation depends on the capacity of organizational actors to theorize, reason causally, and experiment systematically. Through examination of contemporary organizational cases spanning healthcare, manufacturing, and technology sectors, we identify evidence-based interventions for building theory-driven innovation capacity. The article contributes to practice by offering actionable strategies for cultivating organizational environments where theory-laden experimentation accelerates learning cycles and enables discovery of novel yet feasible innovations.

AI-Augmented Decision Rights: Redesigning Authority in Human-Machine Organizations, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: Organizations increasingly deploy artificial intelligence systems as active participants in decision-making processes, fundamentally altering traditional authority structures and accountability frameworks. This transformation requires systematic redesign of decision rights—the formal and informal protocols governing who decides what, when, and with what level of AI involvement. Drawing on organizational design theory and human-computer interaction research, this article examines how organizations are reconfiguring decision authority in human-machine systems. Evidence suggests that effective AI augmentation depends less on technical sophistication than on clarity of decision rights allocation, transparency mechanisms, and structured human-AI collaboration protocols. The analysis presents evidence-based interventions spanning governance architecture, capability development, and sociotechnical system design, offering practitioners actionable frameworks for navigating this transition while preserving human agency and organizational accountability.

Bridging the Corporate Green Gap: How Paradox Navigation and Deep Integration Drive Real Sustainability Success

Learn more about Dr. Jonathan H. Westover's research, "Navigating Paradox for Sustainable Futures: OrganizationalCapabilities and Integration Mechanisms in Sustainability Transformation."

Beyond Compliance: How Three Mechanisms—Tech Transparency, Shared Governance, and Capability Networks—Reshape Supply Chain Power for Real Sustainability

Learn more about Dr. Jonathan H. Westover's research, "Navigating Power Dynamics in Sustainability Transformation: Extending Integration Mechanisms Across Organizational Boundaries."

The Invisible AI Workforce: Why the Talent Shortage is a Massive Blind Spot and How to Find the 20x Hidden Talent Pool

Learn more about Dr. Jonathan H. Westover's research, "The Invisible AI Workforce: Redefining Technical Talent Acquisition for Artificial Intelligence."

The Great Senior HR Split: Why Banking and Healthcare are Doubling Down While Tech and Media Cut Deep

Learn more about Dr. Westover's research, "The Strategic Recalibration of HR Leadership: Industry Migration Patternsand Organizational Implications."