Arbind Buragohain

16BSP0453PP

MOTIVATIONAL THEORIES SHOWN IN THE

MOVIE

THE PURSUIT OF
HAPPYNESS

ORGANIS
ATIONAL
BEHAVIO
UR
C3
EVALUATI
ON

LIFE, LIBERTY, & THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

Arbind Buragohain
16BSP0453PP

In the movie the PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS the above quote has been repeated several times. The main
protagonist of the movie is in dilemma as why Thomas Jefferson had used these exact words in the DECLERATION
OF INDIPENDENCE. The protagonist says I remember thinking how did he know to put the pursuit part in there?
That maybe happiness is something that we can only pursue and maybe we can actually never have it. No matter
what.
The entire movie PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS revolves around the life of Chris Gardner and his struggle in the
pursuit of happiness. Several scenes in the movie exhibit few personality and motivational theories such as MBTI
theory (MyersBriggs Type Indicator), Self Efficacy Theory, Goal Setting, and Abraham Maslows Need
Hierarchy Theory.

MORDERN THEORY
Self-efficacy and Goal Setting: Self-efficacy is a person's belief about his or her ability and capacity to accomplish a
task or to deal with the challenges of life. Higher the level of self-efficiency, greater will be the efforts put in by the
individual when they face challenging tasks. Similarly Goal setting theory assumes that the individual is committed to
the goal and will not leave the goal.
The specificity of Chris Gardners goal to become a stock broker itself acts as an internal stimulus. The goal set by
him is very difficult, it is seen that even his own wife mocks him for dreaming so big. However as per self-efficacy
theory when goals are difficult people work harder in order to attain them. Chris did the same and his high selfefficacy helped him a lot. It is seen that Self-efficacy and Goal Setting dont compete with each other, rather they
complement each other.

TRADITIONAL THEORY
Abraham Maslows Need Hierarchy Theory: This theory states that in every human there exists a hierarchy of 5
needs. The prominence of these needs are presented from bottom to top, basic in the bottom and high level needs on
top.
Physiological, Chris had become poor and homeless therefore he needed a shelter badly.
Safety, After Chris is left with only $21 as reason of tax fraud he then goes to Wayne to
collect his $14 and finally sells his bone scanner.
Social, Chris has been seen as a social animal throughout the entire movie he is
socialable with all his clients and colleges during his internship period.
Esteem, Chris while playing with his son says You want something? Go get it.
Period. You need to protect it. This line makes his son believe in himself and his selfesteem becomes higher.