Theories of motivation Flashcards
What is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?
Abraham Maslow identifies humans are motivated by five sets of needs that need to be satisfies in sequential order, the lower ones being satisfied first. Once a need has been satisfied, it no longer provides motivation.
What is the acronym to remember the 5 needs?
Phone Safety Loves Everyone and yourSelf
What are the 5 needs from ascending order on the pyramid?
Physiological, Safety, Love-belonging, Esteem, Self actualisation.
Describe the need physiologically and how it relates to a business.
Physiological needs are the most basic human needs like air, food, water, and health. In a workplace it relates to satisfactory pay for survival.
Describe the need safety and how it relates to a business.
Safety needs are the need for safety, shelter and security. In a business this means safe working conditions and job security.
Describe the need love-belonging and how it relates to a business.
Love/belonging needs are the need for love, a sense of belonging, inclusion and building strong relationships within the business. In a workplace this is working in teams/having teamwork, being involved in decision making and having supportive management.
Describe the need esteem, and how it relates to a business.
Esteem needs are the need for competence, power, control and recognition and where the employee can achieve great things for the business. This is having responsibilities at work, and being recognised and rewarded. Self esteem is acquired by performing well in their job and being recognised for it.
Describe the need for self actualisation and how it relates to a business.
Self actualisation is the need for development, creativity and growth. In a business this means having creative and interesting jobs and opportunities for advancement.
How do managers use the Maslow hierarchy of needs?
They can identify where employees are on the hierarchy and therefore provide strategies to move them up on the higher order needs.
Strengths of Maslow’s theory
- helps managers understand everyone has different needs
- reminds managers people are at different stages of development
- theory is easy to understand
Weaknesses of Maslow’s theory
-It’s just a theory and not backed up by scientific evidence.
-Managers may struggle to find what stages people are at and people don’t always fit neatly into one category.
-Real life needs are more complex, not all needs fit into the 5 stages.
What is Locke and Latham’s goal setting theory?
Employees are motivated by goals that are challenging but attainable. They found there was direct correlation between challenge and motivation where the greater the challenge the greater the motivation, as long as the employee believed they could still attain the goal. Employees are more likely motivated by goals that are specific, rather that vague or unclear.
What are the 5 key principles of Locke and Latham’s goal setting theory?
Clarity, challenge, commitment, feedback, ask complexity.
Describe the principle clarity
Goals should be simple and clear and specific as possible. Ideally given in a timeframe.
Describe the principle challenge
Goals should extend the employee but still be achievable
Describe the principle commitment
A goal into which the employee has had input in is more likely to serve as motivation. This doesn’t mean the employee decides the goal, but negotiates with the manager to achieve a balance between the business objectives and particular strengths and skills of the employees.
Describe the principle feedback.
Provides opportunities to offer recognition for progress achieved, and make adjustments to the goal if necessary to ensure expectations are clear.
Describe the principle task complexity.
The complexity of the goal should not be overwhelming nor beyond the ability of employees. They should be straight forward enough that they can be fulfilled and tailored to the employees abilities. Support like training or mentoring can be provided to assist in attaining the goal.
What are the advantages of Locke and Latham’s goal setting theory?
-It’s supported by research
-Staff perform better with clear goals they become more productive
-Better manager/employee relationships as they collaborate to set goals
What are the disadvantages of Locke and Latham’s goal setting theory?
-Goals that are too vague or hard reduce motivation
-Many focus too much on goals and reject other requirements of the job
-Only looks at goal setting, ignores other factors that could improve performance
Describe Lawrence and Noria’s four drive theory
People are motivated by four key drives. Businesses can use this drive theory to create a productive and motivating workplace. Drives work independently and can be used in any order.
What is an acronym to remember the 4 drives
BALD
What are the 4 drives?
drive to Bond, Acquire, Learn and Defend.
Describe the drive to bond
strong need to form relationships with other individuals and groups
describe the drive to acquire
the desire to own material goods, encompasses desire for status, power and influence.
describe the drive to learn
desire to satisfy curiosity, to learn new skills and explore the world around us
describe the drive to defend
desire to remove threats to our safety and security, and to protect what we regard as ‘ours’.
How can managers use the drive to bond
-encourage teamwork
-build positive corporate culture
-recognise efforts and support the team
How can managers use the drive to acquire
- pay employees fairy compared to competitors
- recognise and celebrate achievements
- set high standards to encourage pride
How can managers use the drive to learn
- make work interesting
- offer chances to learn new skills and take on challenges
- support employees in gaining qualifications
How can managers use the drive to defend
- safe, welcoming workplace
- treat all employees equally
- allow employees to share without fear
advantages of Lawrence and Noria’s 4 drive theory
- the drives work independently, allowing flexibility in how strategies are used
- adaptable to different environments
- motivate efforts that improve behavior and assist in achieving business objectives
disadvantages of Lawrence and Noria’s 4 drive theory
- there may be other drives beyond the 4 stated in the theory
- some application of the drives may cause competition and reduce cooperation
- may result in employees focusing too much on individual goals
What are motivation theories
models or frameworks that explain what make people motivated
