content and process theory of motivation

Question 1

content theory:

Answer 1

Maslows hierarchy of needs

Question 2

Maslows hierarchy of needs

Answer 2

• created by Abraham Maslow (1943)
• suggests that individuals are motivated by a hierarchy of needs

Question 3

hierarchy:

Answer 3

1) physiological needs (food and shelter)
2) safety security needs (security)
3) social needs (belongingness)
4) esteem needs (recognition)
5) self-actualization (develop self worth)

Question 4

implications for organisations

Answer 4

1) physiological needs –> competitive salaries
2) Safety needs –> safe working environment
3) social needs –> team building exercises
4) esteem needs –> recognition programs and career development opp’s
5) self actualization –: provide challenging and fulfilling tasks

Question 5

advantages and disadvantages (Maslow)

Answer 5

+ valuable for understanding general human needs
- but does not specify how to motivate individuals in a work setting
- individuals may prioritize needs differently

Question 6

process theory of motivation

Answer 6

Expectancy theory

Question 7

expectancy theory

Answer 7

• developed by Victor Vroom
• motivation is influenced by 3 key factors:
  1) expectancy (efforts = performance)
  2) instrumentality (performance - rewarded)
  3) valence (reward is valuable to that individual)

Question 8

implications for organisations

Answer 8

1) Expectancy: ensure that employees believe that their efforts will lead to successful performance
2) instrumentality: clearly communicate the link between performance and reward is crucial to maintaining instrumentality
3) aligning rewards with employees’ values and preferences enhances valence

Question 9

advantages and disadvantages (expectancy theory)

Answer 9

+ offers insight into how individuals make motivational decisions in workplace context
- assumes rational decision-making - may not always align with complexities of human behaviour

Question 10

Alderfer ERG theory

Answer 10

same as Maslow but he said that there was no need for 5 different levels, we could combine them together
- physiological needs and safety needs = existence needs
desire for material well being
- social needs = relatedness needs
esteem needs + self-actualization needs = growth needs. desire for continued personal growth

Question 11

emotional needs theory

Answer 11

about individual creativity, curiosity
- role of technology
- culture
thinking outside that box of needs

Question 12

process: Adams Equity theory

Answer 12

perception of unfairness leads to tension, which motivates the individual to resolve that unfairness
- people want to be treated fairly
- comparison between your efforts and your rewards
- their behaviour will then depend on how they have been treated in comparison to other individuals in the organization.
- lack of fairness / rewards = consequences like less effort

limitations:
- desire for equity is not universal: people might be in jobs without comparing themselves to other individuals