Motivation Theories Explained in 10 Minutes

Summary

This lesson delves into various motivation theories that have evolved since the industrial revolution to understand what drives employee behavior. It categorizes theories into content and process theories. Content theories like Maslow's hierarchy, Herzberg's two-factor theory, and McClelland's achievement motivation theory focus on fulfilling needs and aspirations. Process theories, including equity theory, expectancy theory, and reinforcement theory, examine how motivation occurs and can be influenced. The lesson also touches on Taylor's scientific management and Locke's goal-setting theory, offering a comprehensive view of motivation in the workplace.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Motivation theories have evolved since industrialization, with many different approaches emerging.
• 📊 Frederick Taylor's scientific management theory (1911) was one of the first and views motivation as fulfilling needs.
• 🔺 Maslow's hierarchy of needs describes motivation as fulfilling physiological, safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization needs in that order.
• 🔧 Herzberg's two-factor theory divides motivation into motivators (e.g., interesting job) and hygiene factors (e.g., working conditions).
• 🏆 The three needs theory identifies achievement, affiliation, and power as key motivational drivers.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y categorize employees as either lazy and needing control (X) or self-motivated and ambitious (Y).
• 📈 ERG theory simplifies Maslow's hierarchy into existence, relatedness, and growth needs.
• 👥 Mayo's motivation theory emphasizes the importance of group norms and cohesiveness in performance.
• ⚖️ Adam's equity theory states that motivation is influenced by perceived fairness in treatment relative to others.
• 🌟 Vroom's expectancy theory asserts that motivation depends on expectancy (effort leads to success), instrumentality (success leads to reward), and valence (value of reward).

Q & A

What is the general concept of motivation according to the lesson?

Motivation is driven by our needs, leading us to exhibit certain behaviors to satisfy these needs. If our needs are satisfied, we may develop new needs and exhibit new behaviors.

Who developed one of the first theories of motivation and what is it called?

Frederick Taylor developed one of the first theories of motivation called Scientific Management in 1911.

How are motivation theories generally categorized?

Motivation theories are generally categorized into two groups: content theories and process theories.

What is the focus of content theories?

Content theories focus on what motivates us by looking at our needs and aspirations, and how fulfilling these needs motivates us.

What is Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs?

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a theory that describes needs in a hierarchy, where lower-level needs must be satisfied before moving to higher-level needs. The levels are physiological, safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization needs.

What are Herzberg's two factors in his motivation theory?

Herzberg's two factors are motivators, which encourage you to work harder if present (e.g., having an interesting job), and hygiene factors, which cause you to become unmotivated if not present (e.g., poor working conditions).

What does McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y suggest about employees?

McGregor's Theory X suggests that employees are intrinsically lazy and unmotivated, requiring control and supervision. Theory Y suggests that employees are ambitious and self-motivated, and will perform well under the right conditions.

What does Adam's Equity Theory state?

Adam's Equity Theory states that high levels of employee motivation can be achieved when each employee perceives their treatment as fair relative to others.

What is the main idea of Taylor's Scientific Management?

Taylor's Scientific Management is based on the belief that employees are motivated by money alone, do not inherently enjoy work, and therefore need to be closely monitored to ensure they are not slacking off.

What is Locke's Goal Setting Theory?

Locke's Goal Setting Theory is based on the premise that setting the right goals can increase both motivation and productivity. The right goals must be clear, challenging, committed to, provide feedback, and not be too complex.