Define Motivation. Discuss any two theories of Motivation

Q. Define Motivation. Discuss any two theories of Motivation.

Ans. Motivation is derived from the word “Motive”. A motive is an inner state that energizes, activates or moves and directs or channels behavious towards goals. It represents an unsatisfied need which creates a state of tension or disequilibrium causing the individual to move in a goal directed pattern towards restoring a state of equilibrium by satisfying the need. Motivation is a process that starts with a physiological deficiency or need that activates behavious or a drive that is aimed at a goal or incentive. Thus the process of motivation lies in the meaning of and relationship among needs, drives and incentives.

The Basic Motivation Process = Needs———–à Drives————————–à Goals/Incentives

(Deficiency)          (Deficiency with Direction)      Reduction of drives and

fulfills deficiencies.

It is a bare fact that most of us use only a small portion of our mental and physical abilities. To exploit the unused potential in people they are to be motivated. Needless to say that such exploitation results in greater efficiency, higher production and better standard of living of the people. There are basically two types of motivation vis 1) Positive Motivation and Negative Motivation.

1. Positive Motivation: People are said to be motivated positively when they are shown a rewards and the way to achieve it. Such a reward may be financial or non financial. Monetary motivation may include different incentives, wage plans, productive bonus schemes etc. Non monetary include praise for work, participation in management, social recognition. Monetary incentives provide the worker a better standard of life while non monetary incentives satisfy the ego of a man.
2. Negative Motivation: It is induced by installing fear in the minds of people; one can get the desired work done. In this method of motivation fear of consequences of doing something or not doing something keeps the worker in desired direction. This method has got several limitations. Fear Creates frustration, a hostile state of mind and an unfavorable attitude towards the job which hinder efficiency and productivity. So the use of it should be kept minimum.

Theories of Motivation: There are several theories on motivation. The significant among them are Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Herzber’s Two Factor Theory, Vrooms Expectancy Theory, Porter and Lawler’s Expectancy Theory and Equity Theory of Work Motivation. We shall discuss 1. Maslows Theory of Hierarchy of Needs and 2. Herzberg Two Factor Theory.

1. Maslows Theory of Hierarchy of Needs :

According to Maslow, human needs form a hierarchy, staring at the bottom with the physiological needs and ascending to the highest need of self actualization. He says when one set of needs is satisfied; they no longer work as motivators as a man seeks to satisfy the next higher level of needs.

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Need for Self-Actualization

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Physiological Needs

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Esteem Needs

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Social Needs -Affiliation or

Acceptance Needs

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Security of Safety Needs

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Physiological Needs

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MASLOW”S HIERACHYOF NEEDS                                                                                               ==========================================

The Need Hierarchy:

1. Physiological Needs: These are the basic necessities of human life, food, water, warmth, shelter, sleep and sexual satisfaction. Maslow says that until these needs are satisfied to the required level, man does not aim for the satisfaction of next level of needs. As far as work environment is concerned, these needs include basic needs like pay, allowance, incentives and benefits.
2. Security/Safety Needs: These refer to the need to be free of physical danger or the feeling of loss of food, job or shelter. When the physiological needs are satisfied, man starts thinking of the way by which he can satisfy his safety needs. Security needs spring up the moment he makes an effort in the direction of providing himself the source of continuity of physiological needs. In a work environment these needs include conformity, security plans, membership in unions, severance pay etc.
3. Social Needs: (Affiliation or Acceptance Needs) When the physiological and security needs are satisfied, these social needs begin occupying the mind of a man. This is exactly why he looks for the association of other human beings and strives hard to be accepted by this group. Social needs at the work place include: Human relations, formal and informal work groups.
4. Esteem Needs: These needs are power, status and self confidence. Every man has a feeling of importance and he wants others to regard him highly. These needs makes people aim high and make them achieve something great. These needs for employees include status symbols, awards, promotions, titles etc.
5. Self Actualization Needs: This is the highest need in the hierarchy. This refers to the desire to become what one is capable of becoming. Man tries to maximize his potential and accomplish something, when this need is activated in him.

2. Herzberg Theory of Motivation:  Deals with basically two factors Dissatisfiers and Satisfiers.

DISSATISFIERS: The first group (factor) consists of needs such as company policy and administration, supervision, working conditions, interpersonal relations, salary, status, job security and personal life. These factors he called “DISSATISFIERS” and not motivators. Their presence or existence does not motivate in the sense of yielding satisfaction, but their absence would result in dissatisfaction. They are also known as hygiene factors.

SATISFIERS: The second group are the” satisfiers’ in the sense that they are motivators which are related to job content. It includes factors of achievement, recognition, challenging work, advancement and growth in job. Their presence yields feeling of satisfaction or no satisfaction but not dissatisfaction.

Another WAY to present the above question

Herzberg’s Two Factor Theory: Classification of Maintenance and Motivational Factors