6.4a - Motivational Theories Flashcards
Motivation definition
The will to work
Advantages of a well motivated workforce:
- Better productivity
- Better quality
- Lower absenteeism
- Lower staff turnover
- Lower training and recruitment costs
What did Frederick Taylor believe in?
- Workers are lazy, only motivated by money
- Workers should be told exactly what to do based on time and motion studies
- Piece rates are the best form of payment
- Tall and autocratic structures
- Scientific managment
- Division of labour
Scientific management definition
Figuring out the most efficient way to do a job, and then making sure every single worker does it that way
Division of labour definition
Breaking work into small repetitive tasks
Disadvantages of Frederick Taylor’s beliefs:
- Didn’t allow for people being different
- People considered machines
- Increased productivity leads to reduction in quality
- Fewer workers needed so workers worried about losing jobs
What did Maslow suggest?
Five levels of human needs which employees need to have fulfilled at work
How does Maslow’s hierarchy work?
Once lower level of need has been met, worker is motivated by opportunity of having next need up in hierarchy satisfied
What are the five levels in Maslow’s hierarchy?
- Self-actualization
- Esteem
- Belonging
- Safety
- Physiological
Disadvantages of Maslow’s hierarchy:
- Some rewards fit into more than one level
- Some people prioritise higher needs over lower ones
- Not everyone shares same needs
What did Herzberg believe in?
- Motivating by using motivators plus ensuring hygiene factors are met
- Job enrichment
- Direct feedback
- Empowerment
Motivators definition
Factors that directly motivate people to work harder
Hygiene (maintenance) factors definition
Factors that can de-motivate if not present but do not actually motivate employees to work harder
Examples of motivators:
- Sense of achievement
- Recognition
- Responsibility
- Promotion
Examples of hygiene factors:
- Good working conditions
- Good company policy
- Relations
