Motivation Theories - Essay Example

Comparative analysis of motivational theories Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory: Maslow emphasizes that there are five basic needs of every human, namely physiological needs, safety needs, love and belongingness needs, esteem needs and needs to self actualize. The lowest stage depicts the most basic things that are required for the fundamental survival of a human being. As we move towards the top of pyramid, the needs shift from basic to opportunistic. The more stages of necessities a manager provides a worker with, the more the worker feels motivated and his efficiency in the work boosts.

The step wise necessities can be seen in the Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs theory shown below:Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (Abraham Maslow, 2009). Alderfer’s ERG theory:Unlike Maslow, Alderfer emphasized that needs can be classified into three categories instead of five namely existence, relatedness and growth. Existence needs are consistent with the physiological and safety needs identified by Maslow. Relatedness needs relate to the interpersonal links of humans and are consistent with the belongingness and esteem needs identified by Maslow.

Growth needs recognized by Alderfer are comparable to the Malow’s esteem and self-actualization needs. Analysis:The most basic difference between Alderfer’s ERG theory and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory is that unlike the latter, the former states that upper level needs may become motivational without complete satisfaction of the lower level needs. I support the Alderfer’s ERG theory because I disagree with Maslow’s philosophy that a higher level need can not be felt unless a lower level need has been satisfied.

Alderfer’s ERG theory emphasizes that all three needs are felt simultaneously, so I agree with this theory the most and agree with the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory the least. References:Abraham Maslow. (2009). Maslows Hierarchy of Needs. Retrieved from http://www.abraham-maslow.com/m_motivation/Hierarchy_of_Needs.asp.