Leadership and motivation in Virgin Media - Essay Example

Table of contents Introduction ………………………………………………………………..2 Motivational theories………………………………………………………2-3 Virgin Media……………………………………………………………….4 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………4References………………………………………………………………….5-6Introduction One of the most important stakeholder groups of an organization is its employees.

Keeping employees motivated is imperative towards the success of a company. Human capital is considered the most valuable asset of an organization (Wasik, 2013). To develop human capital companies must use a combination of leadership and motivational theories. The managers of the company must demonstrate good leadership particularly the executive management team. Leadership is not limited to upper management it can come from anyone within the organization, thus it is important to develop these skills among the entire staff.

Motivation helps increase productivity. Two motivational theories are Herzberg two factor theory and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Motivational theories Herzberg’s two factor theory is a motivational theory that identifies job context as the source of job dissatisfaction and job content as the source of satisfaction (Schermernhorn, Hunt, Osborn, 2003). The theory is divided in motivator factors and hygiene factors. Hygiene factors are sources of job dissatisfaction. Hygiene factors in job content that affect dissatisfaction include:Organizational policiesQuality of supervisionWorking conditionsBase wage or salaryRelationship with peersRelationship with subordinatesSecurityStatus (Schermerhorn, et al. 2003). Motivator factors in job context that affect job satisfaction are achievement, recognition, responsibility, advancement, and growth.

This theory is popular due to its simplicity and direct linkage to behavior of the employees. The theory also has its critics. “Some say its methodology does not address the notion that when things are going well people tend to look at the things they enjoy about their job” (Mindtools, 2014). A content theory of motivation develop by Abraham Maslow in 1943 is Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (Cherry, 2014). The theory is composed a pyramid of five needs that can be categorized as higher order or lower order needs.

The five needs in ascending order are physiological, safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization. An illustration of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is shown below.(Google, 2014) The physiological need include most basic needs such as food and water. Safety needs are security, protection, and stability. Social needs are associated with love and affection. Some esteem needs are respect, recognition, prestige, and competence. Self actualization needs deal with fulfillment and growth. This motivation methodology is fairly easy to implement which has made the theory popular in the business world.

Virgin Media It is in the best interest of Virgin Media to motivate its staff because doing so will increase the performance of the business. Virgin Media is the UK’s first provider of all four broadband, TV, mobile phone and home phone services (Virginmedia, 2014). As such a large organization the firm must provide superb customer service to keep its customer base satisfied. The employees of the company are directly responsible for the level of service the customers receive. Initiatives such as training and development can help enhance the skills and capabilities of the staff so they can be better prepared to deal with their job duties and responsibilities.

Leadership is also an important business concept at Virgin Media. Leadership starts at the top. The managers of the company must implement effective strategies to guide the organization. Exposing employees to working in team settings is a good technique to improve their leadership abilities. Teamwork has become a critical success factor in the 21st century. Empowering employees and delegating more responsibility on them can also improve leadership. Building a corporate culture in which leadership and motivation are key factors will ensure that Virgin Media continues to have success in the United Kingdom.

Conclusion Virgin Media has been success at penetrating the media marketplace by offering more products than the competition and by fostering a work environment that keeps employees motivated. The superb leadership of its executive management team has led the company in the right strategic path. The use of Herzberg’s two factor theory and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs can be use to further enhance motivation at Virgin Media.ReferencesCherry, K. (2014). Hierarchy of Needs: The Five Levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.

[Accessed 30 March 2014]Google.com (2014). Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. [Accessed 30 March 2014]Mindtools.com (2014). Herzberg’s Motivators and Hygiene Factors. [Accessed 30 March 2014]Schermerhorn, J., Hunt, J., Osborn, R. (2003). Organizational Behavior (8th ed.). New York: John Wiley & Sons. Virginmedia.com (2014). Who we are. [Accessed 30 March 2014]Wasik, J. (2013). The Biggest Financial Asset in Your Portfolio is You. The New York Times. [Access 30 March 2014]