Motivation Theory

Motivation


Definition:
1) Internal drive to satisfy an unsatisfied need 2) Stimulus of behavior

Motivation Theories


Content Theories: focus on the internal needs and desires that initiate, sustain and eventually terminate behavior.
WHAT motivates someone

Process Theories: seek to explain HOW behavior is initiated, sustained and terminated

Content Theories
Maslows Hierarchy of Need  Alderfers ERG Theory  Herzbergs 2-Factor Theory 2 McClellands Learned Needs Theory


Definitions
Frustration: occurs when needs can not be met  Satisfaction: occurs when needs are met  Despair: occurs when there is frustration without hope


Maslows Hierarchy of Needs



Stresses two fundamental premises:

Human beings are wanting creatures whose needs depend on what they already have. (You need what you DONT already have) Peoples needs are arranged in a hierarchy

Maslow
5th level: Self realization and fulfillment  4th level: Esteem and Status  3rd level: Affection and social activity  2nd level: Safety and security  1st level: Basic physiological needs


Alderfers ERG Theory



1.

2.

3.

Only 3 levels to the hierarchy: Existence needs: material and physical needs Relatedness needs: all needs that involve other people Growth needs: all needs involving creative efforts and/or productive contributions

Herzbergs 2-Factor Theory 2Starts with the questions of what satisfies and dissatisfies people about their work  Assumes the answers to those questions are key to understanding motivation  Job Satisfaction consists of two separate and independent dimensions:


Satisfiers or motivators Dissatisfiers or maintenance factors

Dissatisfiers/Maintenance Factors


Presence is not motivational. Absences causes dissatisfaction

Policies Salary Interpersonal relationships Job security Work conditions Status Technical supervision Personal life

Satisfiers/Motivators


Not unhappy if they are absent; willing to work to get them

Achievement Recognition Advancement The work itself Possibility of growth Responsibility

McClellands Learned Needs Theory

People learn their needs through life experience  3 sets of needs:


Need for Achievement: need to excel Need for Power: need to control or influence others Need for Affiliation: need to associate with others. Form interpersonal relationships

Process Theories


Focus on how individuals expectations and preferences for outcomes associated with their performance actually influence performance.

Vrooms Expectancy Theory



Vroom theorized that people are not only driven by their needs, but they make choices about what they will and will not do to fulfill their needs based on 3 conditions:

Vrooms Conditions


Person must believe that effort to perform at a particular level will make the desired performance or behavior more likely  Desired performance or behavior must lead to some concrete outcome or reward  Person must value the outcome