Theories of Motivation

As we try to analyze the working behaviour of individuals we understand that in a working environment we deal with various personalities and needs. Each person may categorize money in a different position as far as his priorities are concerned in his personal hierarchy of needs. Therefore, we can assume that motive constitutes a complex equation between employers and employees. Motivation is a process that provides direction to a person in order to achieve a goal that covers his needs through creating and maintaining a goal guided behaviour (Mukherjee, 2009, p.148). Nevertheless, behaviour is not only influenced by incentives but also from variables such as individual skills, knowledge, feelings and beliefs (Werner and DeSimone, 2009, p.55).

An individual has all these needs to some extent but only one of them can be prevalent. The need for achievement involves improvement in work, ability to tackle problems and manage difficult tasks. Someone with this need does not work in a team, takes risks and seeks responsibilities (Schermerhorn, 2011, p.365). It is evident that this person set goals, follows a process in order to achieve them and receives feedback on his performance. The need for affiliation is defined as the creation and preservation of companionship with people (Schermerhorn, 2011, p.365). Additionally, an individual with high need for affiliation creates friendships in the workplace and generally seeks friendly and close interpersonal relationships. Lastly, the need for power is the need of a person to control and influence other people (Schermerhorn, 2011, p.365). This person wants a job that provides him authority and power in order to take decisions and receive

A person achieves his goals in order to satisfy his feelings and these goals make him behave and act in a way. This goal directed behavior and performance lead to effects or comments. Also, each goal may be difficult and challenging and the person needs to show goal commitment in order to reach that goal (Mullins, 2010, p.277).

The choice of incentives depends on the way an employee thinks, on productivity and other factors in order to be beneficial both for the employees and the organisation. A good example of a company that uses a combination of motivation theories is Kellogg’s. Kellogg’s uses Marslow’s, Mayo’s and Herzberg’s theory and in this way secures good working conditions, committed employees that achieve their goals and contribute the maximum to the company.

In conclusion, there is not one shred of evidence that money have lost the significant position in everyday life. Until today constitute a powerful tool of motivation for people. However, this is not the only way to stimulate employee motivation in order to achieve