Motivation theories

Question 1

What is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?

Answer 1

1. Basic physiological
2. Safety
3. Social, belonging
4. Esteem
5. Self-actualisation

Question 2

What is Frederick Herzberg’s motivation Theory?

Answer 2

Herzberg’s Theory underpins the idea that rewards should be both financial and non-financial.
- Hygiene (maintenance) factors: pay, working conditions etc. If not met, the worker will be dissatisfied
J Company’s policies and administration
J Supervision
J Working conditions
J Salary
J Interpersonal relations
J Status
J Job security
- Motivation factors: can create satisfaction.
• Intrinsic motivators are derived from the work itself
• Focus on factors that enrich the job and satisfy the employee
J Achievement
J Recognition
J The work itself
J Responsibility
J Advancement
J Growth

Question 3

What is Edwin Locke’s motivation theory?

Answer 3

• That satisfaction comes from achieving defined goals.
  
  • The more challenging the goals, the greater effort will be put in and satisfaction enjoyed by the worker
  • Difficult goals, when accepted by workers, result in higher performance than easy goals
  • In modern workplaces this means:
    • Workers must participate in setting goals and they must be realistic
    • Guidance and advice from management necessary
    • Management feedback on performance (progress toward achievement of goals) needed
  • Notion that people will strive to do what they say they will do

Question 4

David McClelland’s theory is…?

Answer 4

• McClelland says we all have three motivating drivers, and one of these will be our dominant driver. This dominant motivator is largely dependent on our culture and life experiences.
  • Achievement: self-actualisation and growth
  • Affiliation: social needs or relatedness
  • Power: esteem; need for attention and recognitionAchievement
  • A strong need to set and accomplish challenging goals
  • Takes calculated risks to accomplish their goals
  • Likes to receive regular feedback on their progress and achievements
  • Often likes to work alone
  Affiliation
  • Wants to belong to the group
  • Wants to be liked, and will often go along with whatever the rest of the group wants to do
  • Favours collaboration over competition
  • Doesn’t like high risk or uncertainty
  Power
  • Wants to control and influence others
  • Likes to win arguments
  • Enjoys competition and winning
  • Enjoys status and recognition

Question 5

What are the two current motivating trends and what do they consist of?

Answer 5

1. Diversity management: goes beyond basic requirement for equal employment opportunity to see diversity as an advantage to harness
   
   2. Family-friendly workplace: recognises that employees do not leave their personal lives at home - life expectations affect staff expectations and motivation

Question 6

What is Human Resource Management?

Answer 6

Human Resource Management
• Focuses on the relationship between the employers and employees and how each of these stakeholders is able to work to achieve goals of the business and their own objectives.
• Concerned with…
- High levels of productivity
- People as a vital ‘input’ or recourse
- A motivated, skilled staff that compliments the business strategy
• HRM covers establishing, maintaining and terminating employment.
• Effective HMR is apparent in 4 indicators:
1. Good work performance
2. Job satisfaction among employees
3. Low levels of absenteeism
4. Low levels of staff turnover
• HR must support the overall business strategy and objectives

HR managers manage people and change - they must be aware of the business environment