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Motivation

Definition:

Ø Human behaviour rests on the basic concepts of needs and motives.

Ø A need is an experienced state of deficiency that pushes our behaviour in a given direction.

Ø The direction of behaviour refers to which behaviour an employee chooses to perform a task in the organization.

Ø Low motivation does not necessarily cause low performance. An employee may have skills and abilities in such abundance that this high performance is assured in spite of his motivation level.

Classification:

Ø Content:

Answers the question: What specific needs cause motivation?

Example Maslow’s hierarchy of need, Herzberg’s two factor Theory of Motivation

Ø Process:

Explains how behaviour is stimulated, directed, sustained or stopped.

Example Equity Theory, Expectancy Theory

Abraham Maslow’s five level of hierarchy:

1. Maslow theory believes low order needs must be satisfied before higher-order needs.

2. A satisfied need ceases to motivate behaviour at that level.

3. Unsatisfied needs lead to undesirable outcomes at work. Create perceived inequity.

4. People are assumed to have a need to grow and develop their full potential, and consequently, strive to move

up the hierarchy and satisfy higher order needs.

5. Needs are usually satisfied completely. Low order needs by monetary rewards. High order needs by social interaction.

Criticism of the theory

Can be reduced to two levels

1. Physiological level

2. All other needs

Managers advance need for

â Security and safety decrease

á Social, esteem and self-actualization increase

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