Human Resource Theories

Question 1

Maslow’s hierachy of needs

Answer 1

Maslow believed that we have five needs; we are on a quest to satisfy these needs. The needs are from the bottom up.

1. Physiology. We need air, food, clothing and shelter.
2. Safety. We need safety and security.
3. Social. We need friends, approval and love.
4. Esteem. We need respect, appreciation, and approval.
5. Self-actualization. We need personal growth, knowledge and fulfillment.

Question 2

Herzberg’s theory of motivation

Answer 2

There are hygiene agents and motivating agents.

Hygiene agents are expectation for employment: paycheck, insurance, safe working environment.

Motivating agents are motivators for employees such as bonuses, career advancement, opportunity to grow. Hygiene agents will not motivate, but their absence will de-motiave.

Question 3

Halo effect

Answer 3

All opinions are formed by one component. A great engineer doesn’t always make a great project manager.

Question 4

Parkinson’s law

Answer 4

Parkinson’s law individuals allow their work to consumer all of their time. Work will expand to fill the amount of time allotted to it.

Question 5

McGregor’s X and Y

Answer 5

Management’s perspective of employees. X people are bad, lazy and need to be micromanaged. Y people are self-directed. Most managers have X and Y attributes.

Question 6

Ouchi’s theory Z

Answer 6

Workers do well if motivated. This provides participative management, familial work environment and life long employment. Known as japanese management style.

Question 7

McClelland’s theory of needs

Answer 7

Needs are acquired over time and are shaped by life experiences. Our needs are categorized as achievement, affiliation, and power. McClelland used a Thematic Apprecception Test (TAT) to determine an individual’s needs.

Question 8

Vroom’s expectancy theory

Answer 8

People behave based on what they believe (expect) their behaviour to bring them.