Motivational Theories In Business Essay

Introduction Motivation is a goal-oriented characteristic that helps a person achieve his or her objectives. It pushes an individual to work hard for achieving his or her goals, so it is very important for a manager to understand the basic needs of employees, peers and his or her superiors. In this essay, I would like to introduce a variety of motivational theories, and to analyze the relationship between them and the management of motivation based on market research. In addition, this essay will also explain the effects of leadership styles on motivation.

Motivational theories in business There are a series of motivation theories, which are helpful for a manager to manage the business. As if a manager knows different needs of subordinates,

In 1954, Maslow’s theory was fully expressed in his book Motivation and Personality. He divided human need into five classes, including physiological needs, such as food and water; security needs, such as safety working conditions; love and belongings, such as friendship; self-esteem needs like recognition; and self-actualization needs like personal dream goals. Maslow pointed that only the lower level of needs is satisfied, people can pursue the upper level of needs. However, money can achieve self-esteem and physiological needs simultaneously. In addition, there is also a problem in deciding when a level has actually been

Theory X assumes that the average person is lazy, and only work for money and security. So the only way to get people to work is by using strict control. Theory Y assumes that most people are motivated by those things at the top of Maslow’s hierarchy. In 1966, Herzberg found that what motivated people at work, and then he divided the causes into motivators and hygiene factors. Motivators give workers job satisfaction, such as responsibility, while hygiene factors give job dissatisfaction to employees, such as wages and working conditions. However, this conclusion is subjective because he only interview 200 accountants and engineers, so same improvement might be asked for following years. In conclusion, the theories can be divided into two groups. The scientific management/Theory X/hygiene factors group argues that workers are lazy, need controlling and are only interested in monetary rewards. The Maslow’s hierarchy of needs/Theory Y/motivators group argues that workers have many needs that might be achieved if they have more control and responsibility.

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