Gerchikov Motivation Test
The V.I. Gerchikov method is used by HR professionals and managers to identify the dominant motivational profile of employees. Determining the type of work motivation helps select the optimal incentive system and unlock the potential of each team member. Take this 15-question online survey to discover which motivation type predominates for you or your employees.
What you'll learn
Your dominant work motivation type out of five possible
Which incentives work best for you
Your motivation profile across all five scales
Career development recommendations based on your motivation type
What working conditions will unlock your potential
Key facts
History & development
V.I. Gerchikov begins research on work motivation types at the Sociology Department of Moscow State University
Publication of the monograph 'Motivation, Incentives and Employee Compensation'
Concept published in the journal 'Organizational Psychology'
The book 'Personnel Management' establishes the model in academic programs
The method is included in MBA programs at leading business schools in Russia and CIS
About the methodology
Professor Vladimir Isakovich Gerchikov (1938–2007) proposed a typological concept of work motivation within organizational sociology.
Unlike content theories (Maslow, Herzberg), Gerchikov's model describes five qualitatively different types of attitudes toward work: instrumental, professional, patriotic, ownership, and avoidance (lumpenized). Each type determines which incentives are most effective for a particular worker.
The model is widely used in Russian HR management, included in MBA programs and organizational behavior courses, and applied by consulting companies for motivation system audits.
Gerchikov's Motivation Types
The model describes five qualitatively different attitudes toward work. Most people have 2–3 types expressed simultaneously.
Instrumental
Work = Money
Work is primarily a source of income for you. You are motivated by specific amounts, bonuses, and a transparent link between pay and results. You know your market value precisely.
Sales, freelancing, project work, KPI-driven roles
Professional
Work = Mastery
You are motivated by complex challenges and the opportunity to demonstrate expertise. Routine kills your motivation, while professional growth and peer recognition as an expert inspire you.
Engineering, science, IT, consulting, expert roles
Patriotic
Work = Team
You are motivated by belonging to a shared cause and having your contribution recognized by the team. You're willing to sacrifice personal gain for team success and feel energized by team spirit.
Social projects, NGOs, startups, mentoring
Ownership
Work = Responsibility
You are motivated by autonomy and full responsibility for results. Micromanagement is unbearable, while the ability to independently build processes and make decisions inspires you.
Entrepreneurship, management, freelancing, leadership
Avoidant (Lumpenized)
Work = Stability
You are motivated by stability, predictability, and minimal stress. Changes and uncertainty cause anxiety. Comfortable conditions and guaranteed income matter more than career advancement.
Civil service, administration, operations, stable organizations
Scientific references
Frequently asked questions
What is the Gerchikov test?
It is a method for determining the dominant type of work motivation, developed by Professor V.I. Gerchikov at Moscow State University. The model identifies five types: instrumental, professional, patriotic, ownership, and avoidance.
How long does it take to complete?
The survey consists of 15 questions and takes about 10 minutes. Results are available immediately after completion.
Who is this survey for?
The method is used by HR managers to select incentive systems, by leaders to understand team motivation, and by any professional for self-analysis of career preferences.
How reliable are the results?
The model has been validated on more than 1,500 workers and is widely used in Russian business schools and consulting firms. The test shows a stable motivational profile on repeated administration.
Can you have multiple motivation types?
Yes, most people have two or three types expressed simultaneously. The test shows a profile across all five scales, with the dominant type being the one with the highest score.
Instructions
Read each question and choose the answer that best describes your attitude toward work. Be honest: there are no right or wrong answers.
Ready to start?
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