ABSTRACT. The purpose of this paper is to layout an emoto-motivation paradigm to better understand human decision making and behavior. The paper briefly reviews currently accepted theories of human motivation then considers the role of emotions in forming our sense of identity. The influence of emotions on decision behavior is discussed before presenting an emoto view of our self identity. How emotions shape our beliefs and influences our actions is explained within this hypothesis, showing how tension builds up in an individual and energy is produced. Before concluding the paper recaps the emoto-motivation process showing how this hypothesis affects enterprise effectiveness, and individual perception, decision making and behavior. pp. 138–196
JEL Classification: C44, D81, G11
Keywords: affect, decision making, emotions, energy, identity, motivation, narrative, perception, self awareness, tension