Four drive theory

Four Drive Theory

provides an interpretation of human behaviour that covers all emotions and motivations, and is based in evolutionary past.

It covers the drive to

• acquire,

• bond,

• learn,

• defend.

Drive to Acquire

The desire to achieve rewards and high status, including non-material things (such as status or influence) and money

Employees can use to this to motivate by:

• ensuring pay is comparable with other businesses

• allowing employees to feel proud of their work eg - promotions

Drive to Bond

The desire to participate in social interactions and feel a sense of belonging.

employees can use motivate by:

• ensure managers interact with employees in a positive way

• encourage teamwork and collaboration, with high value placed and collective achievements.

Drive to Learn

The desire to gain knowledge, skills, and experience.

employees can use this to motivate by:

• provide opportunities to learn new skills regularly

• create daily work that employees feel is developing valuable skills and experience

Drive to Defend

The desire to protect personal security and the values of the business.

employees can avoid the need to defend by:

• fair and consistent treatment of employees

• developing a vision employees agree with

Advantage of Four Drive Theory

• the drive works independently, allowing increased flexibility in the behaviours or strategies implemented

• they all work together to improve behaviour, so will thereby improve business performance and achievement of objectives

Disadvantage of Four Drive Theory

• some workplace applications of the theory may involve competition between employees, which may promote negative corporative culture

• employees may not value all drives equally, reducing effectiveness of the theory