Employee Motivation and Leadership Theories

Flashcards covering key concepts and theories related to employee motivation and leadership.

Self-Determination Theory

A framework that outlines how intrinsic and extrinsic factors motivate individuals to act and determine the form, direction, intensity, and duration of their efforts.

Intrinsic Motivation

Motivation that comes from within an individual, driven by personal satisfaction or a sense of meaningfulness in tasks.

Extrinsic Motivation

Motivation that arises from external rewards such as financial incentives, recognition, or other tangible rewards.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

A theory proposing that humans are motivated by a hierarchy of needs: physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization.

Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory

A theory suggesting that workplace motivation is influenced by hygiene factors (which do not motivate but can cause dissatisfaction) and motivators (which can enhance satisfaction).

Equity Theory

A theory stating that individuals are motivated by fairness in the workplace; perceived inequities may lead to dissatisfaction and reduced motivation.

Vroom’s Expectancy Theory

A motivational theory suggesting that individuals' expectations of outcomes play a crucial role in their ability to be motivated; it encompasses valence, instrumentality, and expectancy.

Goal Setting Theory

A theory that emphasizes the importance of setting specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals to increase motivation and performance.

Reinforcement Theory

A behavioral theory that focuses on how rewards and punishments influence behavior and motivation in the workplace.

Job Characteristics Theory

A theory proposing that job design significantly impacts motivation, with five core job dimensions affecting employee satisfaction and performance.