Motivation
Introduction
Motivation refers to an internal process that serves to activate, guide, and maintain our behavior over time. (Baron, 1998) The factors that are believed to motivate people greatly differ from person to person. In my paper I plan on addressing many different theories of motivation and what drives us. There are two main categories that are used to propose motivation theories; they are content theories and process theories. Content theories explain the dynamics of a person's needs, and process theories describe the way need deficiencies are translated into behavior. Both of theses theories are used to reduce tension. I will explain these theories in greater detail later on in my paper. In the work place, when employees are properly motivated they tend to exert an increased amount of effort towards a particular goal. Companies have come to realize this and act accordingly to benefit the long-term objectives of the organization.
Content Theories
Content theories of motivation use needs to explain the behavior and attitudes of people. The major content theories include Maslow's Hierarchy of needs theory, Aldefer's ERG theory, Herzberg's two- factor theory and McClelland's achievement motivation theory.
Maslow Hierarchy of Needs
To explain Maslow's theory, you must first answer the question, what is a need? A need is a lack of something required (Drafke, Kossen 2002). Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a series of needs in which lower needs must be fulfilled before the next highest need becomes evident (Drafke, 2002, pg.277). The hierarchy ranges through five levels; at the lowest level there is the physiological needs such as the need for food, water, and clothing. Once these needs are satisfied, then we move to the next level, which is the need for safety. Safety needs consist of job security, stability and whatever makes us feel secure and protected. The next level is the belonging needs, which are the...
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