“Why are there multiple theories of ‘motivation’ in organizational behaviour? Discuss this question by including a critical evaluation of two theories of motivation.”
Throughout this essay I will be looking at different motivational theories: Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory and McClelland’s Needs of Achievement theory and explaining why there are multiple theories in organisational behaviour.
Many organisations face difficulties when trying to motivate their staff to complete a given task. If the employees are motivated the company is likely to be successful and achieve set goals. To be able to understand motivation and the way it works, first we have to understand human nature itself. In some cases this could be a straightforward process however in others it could be very complex. There has to be an effective management and leadership to guide employees through the motivation stages. Many companies believe that pay is the prime motivator, however nowadays people may want to exceed acknowledgment, participation and heightened sense of worth at the workplace. This is where empowerment plays a very important part in a company’s progression.
“Empowerment is the process by which managers delegate power to employees to motivate greater responsibility in balancing the achievement of both personal and organisational goals”.
Ref- . Chapter 4: Motivation and Empowerment page 184French, R., Rayner, 2008). Organizational Behaviour. Chichester: Wiley
By empowering employees this will make the staff more satisfied, productive and motivated throughout their working hours. Throughout the years many theorists have tried to explain what motivation is by designing theories describing how managers should stimulate their staff.
The two main theories are Content and Progress theories. They have been developed since the 1950s and are still known today. The Content theories explain the specific factors that may stimulate people within the organisation by analysing the...