3 Theories for Business Psychology

Question 1

Field of Motivation

What are the levels of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?

Answer 1

1. Physiological needs
2. Safety needs
3. Social needs
4. Esteem needs
5. Need for self-actualisation

Question 2

Field of Motivation

What is the Herzberg two-factor theory?

Answer 2

Herzberg’s two-factor theory proposes that job satisfaction and job dissatisfaction are independent dimensions.

Hygiene factors influence job dissatisfaction:
Related to extrinsic job properties.
Examples: status, salary, working conditions, job security
Presence of hygiene factors does not increase job satisfaction.

Motivators influence job satisfaction and motivation:
Intrinsic to the job itself.
Examples: recognition, challenging work, responsibility, type of work, career opportunities.

Question 3

Field of Motivation

What are the 3 needs according to the self-determination theory by Deci?

Answer 3

1. need for competence
2. need for relatedness
3. need for autonomy

Question 4

Field of Motivation

Explain the Goal Setting theory by Locke and Latham.

Answer 4

Designing action goals properly can have a motivating effect. Especially if goals are specific and challenging, they increase an individual’s motivation and performance.
Specifically, goals should be **specific,
measurable,
achievable,
relevant, and
time-bound **
(SMART).

Question 5

Field of Cognition

Explain the information processing theory.

Answer 5

Information processing theory:
Brain functions like a computer.
Receives input from sensors (ears, eyes).
Components of the brain as an information processing device (Newell and Simon, 1972):
* Sensory system.
* Memory or storage.
* Central processing unit.
* Response generator.

Question 6

Field of Cognition

How does the dual process theory work?

Answer 6

Not all information is processed the same way.
Two modes of processing:
* Automatic and unconscious (implicit) processing.
* Conscious and explicit processing.

System 1:
* Fast, unconscious, automatic.
* Uses heuristics (mental shortcuts).
* Example: First impressions.

System 2:
* Slow, conscious, effortful.
* More accurate and reliable.
* Limited capacity but flexible.
* Example: Deliberation on opening a new store.

Identify situations where you use system 1 and system 2 in everyday life.

Question 7

Field of Interaction

Name and explain the 3 theories of interaction.

Answer 7

• Social learning theory:
  
  • Humans learn by observing others (observational/social learning).
  • Example: A new employee learns interactions by observing colleagues.
  • Another route of learning besides associative learning (stimulus-response).
• Social cognitive theory (SCT):
  
  • Extension of social learning theory.
  • Self-efficacy: Belief in one’s ability to induce change; higher self-efficacy enhances observational learning.
  • Outcome expectancies: Expected effects from imitating a model’s behavior; influences the likelihood of repeating observed behavior.
• Social identity theory:
  
  • Describes self-perception in terms of group membership.
  • In-group: The group to which one feels they belong.
  • Out-group: Groups to which one does not belong.
  • Group membership is flexible and influenced by situational factors.
  • Belonging to a group involves shared beliefs, leading to in-group bias (favoring in-group over out-groups).
  • Positive social identity enhances self-esteem.