5.2 - Content Theories of Motivation

content theories of motivation - based on the idea that an employee's need’s influence his or her motivation

needs - physiological or psychological deficiencies that arouse behavior

Theory X - a pessimistic view of employees: they dislike work, must be monitored, and can be motivated only with rewards and punishment

Theory Y - a modern and positive set of assumptions about people at work: they are self-engaged, committed, responsible, and creative

need hierarchy theory - states that motivation is a function of five basic needs: physiological, safety, love, esteem, and self-actualization

acquired needs theory - states that three needs - achievement, affiliation, and power - are the key drivers of employee behavior

self-determination theory - assumes that three innate needs influence our behavior and well-being - the needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness

motivator-hygiene theory - proposes that job satisfaction and dissatisfaction arise from two different sets of factors - satisfaction comes from motivating factors and dissatisfaction from hygiene factors

hygiene factors - include company policy and administration, technical supervision, salary, interpersonal relationships with supervisors, and working conditions. They cause a person to move from a state of no dissatisfaction to dissatisfaction

motivating factors - include achievement, recognition, characteristics of the work, responsibility, and advancement. They cause a person to move from a state of no satisfaction to satisfaction