Personality Theories in the Workplace

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Most workplace personality and motivational theories are based on Maslow; so I've included a tutorial on Maslow, references, as well as some additional tutorial material on Humanistic Theory. Good luck! The first tutorial uses a fictional company (btw), that should help you in your specific questions on workplace issues.

Part 1 - Maslow and Needs Theory in Workplace

All companies seek to motivate their employees for a very simple reason; a motivated employee is a high producer. In today's workplace, many complex and sophisticated plans have been put in place towards this end; some companies offer a variety of incentives to meet the different needs and expectations of the different personalities employed there. Motivation is an individual thing; in other words, the same things do not motivate all people. However, according to motivation theories, there are some constant factors relative to motivation. Abraham Maslow outlines a pyramid-shape theory that is the basis for most motivation theories that followed. The human resource department and the managers at Millennium Beauty Supply Company (a fictional company) are attending training to learn about the premises and theories presented on the following pages. They will then design and implement an action plan to increase the motivational factors in their own organization. Some of their action steps are discussed.

The lowest level of Maslow's pyramid of needs relates to every human's survival needs or by physiological needs, which include hunger, thirst and shelter are at this level (Robbins, 2001). This concept can be translated to the workplace. Employees who barely earn enough to support their families and pay the rent are not motivated by a gym on the premises or by a good retirement plan. Their immediate and most basic needs are providing the basics for their family. For this reason, Millennium Beauty Supply Company managers have redesigned their salary and sales commission structure to assure every employee is making a decent wage. They have also subscribed to a more comprehensive medical plan for employees.

The next level in Maslow's hierarchy is safety and security. According to Maslow, safety needs include security and protection from physical and emotional harm (Robbins, 2001). All this means in the workplace, is that employees need to know their jobs are safe, i.e., that they will still have a job tomorrow and next month. Employees who fear the company is going to lay off will not find any incentive motivating to them, if they think they may be among those laid off. One of the ways security can be fostered within a company is to inform employees of the financial health of the company. To assure this, Millennium ...