Theories of Motivation

Douglas McGregor related the different attitudes of managers to two theories, X and Y. These two theories not only determined how the managers thought and acted but also how pleasant and self-gratifying work was for their employees. The first theory, Theory X, describes managers that see people naturally disliking work and that employees would rather be engaging in more enjoyable things. In other words, if employees did not have to work, they would not. On the other hand, Theory X, as described by McGregor, notes that managers believe employees enjoy work and are motivated as well. Work is seen as any other activities the employee conducts such as play or rest.

Theory X can be seen to fit in the category of behaviorist psychology because workers will dislike work because it is the “work environment”. There seems to be no connection with internal feelings and worth. However, Theory Y can be seen to fit in the category of humanistic psychology because the workers will work due to intrinsic rewards. There is a feeling of accomplishment and worth and it is up to the employee to enjoy work or not.

Relating these theories to my personal life is an easy task. When working for a company named Mi Casa Es Su Casa, I had to refer to two separate managers for guidance. Ted the younger, handsomer boss would qualify as a Theory Y manager. He set the tone for a comfortable work environment and I found myself with a smile on my face even after a long enduring work day. The other manager Aleida, as you could have guessed, was a dreaded Theory X manager. She set the tone for a stressful and threatening workday and I found myself counting down the minutes until 5 o’clock. Aleida’s “no fun” policy not only made me unhappy but less productive as well.

The next theory I will touch upon is Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Maslow believes that people have five needs that must be filled in a specific order. Before one can advance to the next need he/she must satisfy the previous need. The needs in order of priority are as follows: physiological needs, safety and security needs, love and belongingness needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization. In order to stay brief I will not expound upon each need.

Maslow, being a humanistic psychologist, has noticed the human need to reach one’s full potential. This is acquired through the realization and fulfillment of all the needs listed above. The hierarchy of needs are humanistic, in that a person is motivated to fill needs beyond that of the world around him. He believes individuals are internally directed and motivated to fulfill their human potential.

In relating this hierarchy to my own life I would contend that I have reached or have nearly reached the need of self actualization. My physiological and safety needs are fulfilled as they have been for the greater portion of my life. Due to my loving family and friends I can easily say that I have satisfied the third tier in the hierarchy. Over the past two years in college, I have built recognition and respect from many of my peers that I never have had before. I feel more confident, have a healthy self-concept, and a positive self-esteem followed. Now, as I enter deep into my accounting major I feel I can touch upon my full potential and am finding my unique niche in this world. I feel as though the sky is the limit and I will keep pushing myself to get as high as I can.

The third theory is one developed by David McClelland named the Manifest Needs Theory. Like Maslow, McClelland believes that people have needs that must be satisfied but is different in that it is in no order. They are developed through life experiences, and like a muscle it will grow with training. The tree basic coexisting needs include: power needs, affiliation needs, and achievement needs. The three needs grow at different rates and take more precedence in some individuals more than others.

I believe this theory interestingly can be related to both behaviorist and humanistic psychology. It is behaviorist in that the person develops the three needs according to life experiences. Also, it is humanistic in that McClelland believes people can be achievers and develop meaningful relationships.

The best example of how this theory is present in my life is an organization I am currently in, Alpha Epsilon Pi. When joining a Greek organization, every brother/sister has a chance to excel and show what he/she is capable of. When observing each brother, it can be seen that every one has one of the three needs more prevalent than the others. For example, my one brother Nick is very good friends with every person in the organization. Even though he does not hold a leadership role, he is constantly trying to improve his relations with each