Motivation profoundly influences human behavior, shaping skill acquisition and utilization while propelling goal pursuit and success. This study delves into motivation's universality across human endeavors, emphasizing how motivated individuals undertake actions to achieve their objectives. It examines motivation's critical role in enhancing productivity, job satisfaction, and performance in various work environments, notably within higher education institutions. Many organizations, however, grapple with motivating employees, resulting in challenges such as fostering loyalty and retention in academia. This research seeks to explore motivational factors affecting individuals' intent to remain in their roles within degree-granting institutions across the United States. Employing a quantitative methodological approach with correlational-predictive design, it aims to ascertain how motivational factors predict one's inclination to stay in their position. This method enables precise variable measurement, statistical analysis, and hypothesis testing, facilitating comparisons and trend identification. Ultimately, the study aims to enrich the understanding of motivation and provide actionable insights for businesses and academic institutions beyond traditional content theories. Uncovering what motivates employees to stay in their position in the workplace has the potential to significantly impact retention strategies. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]