Purchase Solution

The Preferable One Among the Four Motivation Theories

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

Question: What are the four different theories for motivation? Select one theory of motivation, and explain why you prefer it over the other three.

Purchase this Solution

Solution Preview

Basically, there are four main theories of motivation. These are:

1. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
2. Dual Factor Theory
3. McClelland's Theory of Needs
4. Expectancy Theory

Cherry (2012) states that motivation is the force that initiates, guides and maintains goal-oriented behaviors.

1. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (McLeod, 2012)

Abraham Maslow (1954) presents a hierarchy of needs model which can be divided into basic (or deficiency) needs (e.g. physiological, safety, love, and esteem) and growth needs (cognitive, aesthetics and self-actualization).

One must satisfy lower level basic needs before progressing on to meet higher level growth needs. Once these needs have been reasonably satisfied, one may be able to reach the highest level called self-actualization.

2. Dual Factor Theory (Anderson, 2012)

Frederick Herzberg's dual-factor theory, or two-factor theory, states that two consistent factors play into motivation, specifically in the workplace: hygiene and motivators. Hygiene factors are those which, if absent from a workplace, cause dissatisfaction. These factors include the environment, level of supervision, pay, etc. Motivators are factors that cause added satisfaction if present in a workplace but do not lower satisfaction levels among employees if not present. These factors include sense of achievement, recognition of abilities, nature of the job, etc.

3. McClelland's Theory of Needs (Net MBA, 2010)

David McClelland proposed that an individual's specific needs are acquired over time and are shaped by one's life experiences. Most of these needs can be ...

Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
Motivation

This tests some key elements of major motivation theories.

Learning Lean

This quiz will help you understand the basic concepts of Lean.

Paradigms and Frameworks of Management Research

This quiz evaluates your understanding of the paradigm-based and epistimological frameworks of research. It is intended for advanced students.

Organizational Behavior (OB)

The organizational behavior (OB) quiz will help you better understand organizational behavior through the lens of managers including workforce diversity.

Operations Management

This quiz tests a student's knowledge about Operations Management