Explain the various theories of motivation - Essay Example

Theories of motivation Introduction Motivation is a self-drive that psychologically moves someone to perform a task. The most important aspect of management is how to motivate the employees (Weihrich et al., 2013). Other aspects like staff employment, controlling, management and many other aspects of improving a company are very necessary, but the core aspect is employee motivation (Hoque, 2006). It is believed that once a human being try to satisfy their daily needs then they become motivated.

This paper shall center on the following motivation theories.(a) Maslow’s TheoryThe theory suggests that humans have needs that need to be satisfied (Adair, 2011). It is founded on the concept of human needs and their satisfaction. The needs include deficiency needs and growth needs for example esteem needs, self-actualization needs, security, affection and emotional needs.(b) Alderfer’s ERG TheoryIt was developed by Clayton Alderfer’s (Adair, 2009). It has some similarities with Maslow’s as well as some differences.

For instance, in the Alderfer’s ERG Theory, the existence needs is the same as Maslow’s emotional and security needs, While Maslow’s love and self-appreciation needs are categorized into the relatedness needs. However, the Growth needs are the same as the self-actualization and self-confidence needs of Maslow’s theory. The difference between Maslow’s and ERG theory is that ERG puts emphasizes that several needs motivates a person at the same time. The other difference is that ERG includes both Satisfaction progression aspect, and frustration regression component.(c)The two factor theoryThis theory was developed purposely to inspire the decision of superiors on employee incentive.

The associates of this theory analyzed and interviewed workers to recall the times they were satisfied in the job and the time they were not satisfied and the reasons behind them. The reasons that the workers gave made the associate to conclude that the reasons for dissatisfaction is due to motivational factors.References:Adair, J. (2009). Leadership and Motivation: The Fifty-Fifty Rule and the Eight Key Principles of Motivating Others. London: Kogan Page. Adair, J. E. (2011). The John Adair lexicon of leadership.

London: Kogan Page.Hoque, Z. (2006). Methodological issues in accounting research: Theories, methods and issues. London: Spiramus Press.Weihrich, H., Koontz, H., & Cannice, M. (2013). Management: A global, innovative, and entrepreneurial perspective.