Review of Motivational Theories for Employees - Assignment Example

One of the psychological theories that form the basis of workplace motivation is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory. Maslow identified a pattern in which needs are satisfied; one need has to be satisfied before the other. He categorized these needs into five levels from the most basic, these include the physiological needs, the safety and security needs, social belongingness, esteem needs, and finally the self-actualization needs. Each of these needs has a particular role in which they have to play.

For an employee, the most important needs are those that facilitate their survival, such include food, good air, and water. Once these needs are satisfied, the need for security and safety comes in. Getting a job is satisfying the physiological needs, however, job security, living in a secure neighborhood, and other safety aspects come in as the next priorities. An employer has the obligation of ensuring that the people that are in the organization are protected against any form of psychological, physical, and verbal harm for them to be effective in executing their mandates.

The hierarchy continues with the need for social affiliation and having a sense of belonging falling third in Maslow’s hierarchy. He observed that once the security and safety needs are satisfied, the most important needs should be social needs. These include the need for family, friends, community, and other aspects that creates a sense of belonging. An organization can be very effective in developing a sense of belongingness if creates programs that facilitate the participation of the employees.

Such activities should be mainly focused on social development. Aspects such as dinners, trips, seminars among other events and programs provide an opportunity for the employees to mingle and share things outside the scope of employment. Within the organization, employees also feel a sense of belonging when they are engaged in various roles of the organization. Appreciations towards the employees also create an opportunity for them to have a sense of belonging.