Motivational theories-

[Tintin]

hi so i tried to compare and contrast the theories..is this right???

Maslow’s five staged hierarchy of need, highlights the importance of motivating employees in order to increase their work performance; as well as the organizations overall performance.  The levels of needs are arranged based on importance of the needs (from the basic physiological needs to the highest level being self-actualization).  Maslow believed that employees will be motivated to obtain a specific level of need and so will work diligently to achieve it. However once the level of need is substantially satisfied it no longer motivates but they advance to the next level. Maslow highlighted that there are two levels of needs, higher order (esteem needs, self actualization) and lower order (physiological, safety).  ??This theory of motivation requires more effort by the employees than employers although they are pivotal in providing aspects such as job security and an interesting challenging job they are not as heavily involved as they are with Locke’s theory??

Similarly, Herzberg developed his two factor theory of motivation which also highlights the notion that there are two types of needs, that being lower order and higher order.  Instead of dividing needs into small subsections he identified two types of factors, motivator and hygiene factors. Hygiene factors refer to extrinsic factors such as wages, physical conditions, safety; according to Herzberg these factors do not motivate as Maslow stated but avoid dissatisfaction. It is the manager’s role to provide these basic necessities. Motivator factors are intrinsic and developed at a deeper level they correspond to; self actualization, social needs and esteem needs. These factors are what essentially motivate employees and must be fulfilled by managers in order to increase work performance.

By far the most different motivational theory is Locke’s goal setting theory. In contrast from the other two Locke believed that achievement of goals motivates employees rather than their own personal needs. Locke stated that setting goals with managers which incorporate the SMART principle (this ensures clarity) act as an underlying motivator. Employees are motivated by the desire to achieve the set goals which can be both personal or team orientated. Managers must also be actively involved by providing constant feedback through meetings and performance appraisals which often results in new goals being set. They must also recognize employees who achieve the goals, in doing so empowering employees and increasing their motivation. Ultimately, all three theories despite different approaches of motivating, all agree that motivating employees is essential to produce committed and productive staff.