Motivational Theories

Motivational Theories

There are many different ways to motivate. It's amazing how often we use these at work and at home. These five types of motivational theory have been identified as the major groups: need; reinforcement; equity; expectancy; and goal getting.

First is the Need theory which focuses on what people require to live fulfilling lives. People need different things. The need will turn into a drive or motivation to fulfill that need and eventually satisfying it. Once a need is satisfied, then another need must be found and the process repeats itself.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a need theory usually displayed in the form of a pyramid. At the base of the pyramid is a physiological need. People have to work. This is probably the initial motivator. Next up is safety and security. The entrepreneur is his own boss; he dictates the hours and provides the security. Belongingness is Maslow's third need. Where employees feel they are well paid and feel secure, there's a need to socialize and belong. People can socialize at work in groups. The next tier up is esteem. This is how people see themselves and sense of self worth. A job well done and suitable recognition help to satisfy self-esteem need. At the top of the pyramid is self-actualization. One could describe it is "reaching the top of the mountain" or reaching the very top of one's profession. Maslow's pyramid does provide an insight into what motivates people. it has drawbacks, first of all it confined one cultural group, that of the American middle class who are most likely located in the mid west or the north east, and have European origins. Maslow does not consider the possibility that a small businessman may be content to make a living, and satisfy his other Maslow needs outside the workplace. Maslow also missed two other points. his traditional American middle class that only moved up the hierarchy. Now people can go down the hierarchy. Maslow did not consider that once a need was met another takes its place. As success goes up the pyramid, life styles change, so the cost of satisfying needs increases.

There have been some criticisms of Maslow's approach. Clayton Alderfer acknowledges the notion of a hierarchy, but cuts it down to three levels which make the acronym ERG. Existence which is Maslow's base physiological and security needs. Relatedness is the need for interpersonal relations (close to Maslow's belongingness and esteem).Growth this is the need for personal creativity and/or productive influence. Alderfer's ERG theory has a second part which is when higher needs are not being met, then lower needs come back even if they were already satisfied.

David C McClelland has his own three aspects of motivation needs. he identifies a need for achievement. Affiliation is the second of MeClellands needs people need to be around co-workers. The last of McClelland's needs is Power. This is about control over a situation. Satisfying the power need can be negative because the fear of failure can be a huge motivator.

The Reinforcement theory is a motivational theory based upon the cause and effect law. When you reward behavior positively it is generally repeated, while behavior with negative consequences is not likely to be repeated. Basically the use of positive consequences such as praise, a bonus or even a raise will encourage desirable behavior. Ensure that a reward is made. If it isn't, then the disgruntled person will not do well the next time.

Expectance theory is defined as "a theory of motivation where people choose how to behave from among an alternative course of behavior based upon their expectations of potential gain from each behavior."