Motivation Theories

motivation

when workers do something because they want to not just because they have to

scientific management theory of motivation (taylor)

• managers and business owners only want obedience

• main reason why people work is money, what workers want from employers most is higher wages

• encourages rest breaks

what does scientific management use

differentiated piece rate/differentiated compensation to motivate workers

limitations of scientific management theory of motivation

• rather authoritarian, may be less suitable in modern businesses

• subsequent theorists feel money is not the only motivation & there is no scientific way to manage people

• ignores qualitative factors that affect level of motivation

hierarchy of needs (maslow)

suggests one level of needs must be met for next level to be addressed

lower order needs

physiological, safety, and social needs. must be met to prevent dissatisfaction or unhappiness.

higher order needs.

esteem and self-actualization needs. help provide genuine sense of contentedness.

criticisms of marlow’s theory

• people are not necessarily motivated in the same way

• levels of needs do not apply to everyone in all contexts

two-factor theory (herzberg)

• argues it is essential to first remove factors (hygiene factors) that cause dissatisfaction to create motivation (motivators)

what are hygiene factors, give 2 examples

• lower level needs

  • wages

  • working conditions/working environment

  • job security

  • supervision

  • relationship with colleagues

  • relationship with management

what are motivators, give 2 examples

• factors that define job context

  • advancement

  • purpose

  • challenging work

  • decision making

  • responsibility

  • opportunities to improve