Motivation

Topic Different categories of employee are likely to derive different benefits from working and be motivated by different factors. Discuss this in the light of different theories of motivation and comment on the implications of this for a foreman in an engineering machine shop and a manager of a research and development department in an industrial company.

Introduction The success of every organization depends on the ability of managers to provide a motivating environment for its employees. Motivated employees are more productive, happier and stay with the organization longer. Good managers need to find out what motivates their staff. This essay will explore two theories of motivation and their practical applications for a foreman and a manager.

I. Maslow¡¯s Hierarchy Of Needs Theory Human beings are motivated by many different things that are related to our various needs, desires and drives. This theory, called the hierarchy of needs theory, was proposed by Abraham Maslow (Robbins & Stuart-Kotze, 1990, p.

English: Theory of Human Motivation Français : Py...

English: Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs Itali...

English: Maslow´s Hierachy of needs

371; Stueart & Moran, 1993, p. 202). Maslow believed that within every individual, there exists a hierarchy of five needs and that each level of need must be satisfied before an individual pursues the next higher level of need. The five levels of needs, according to Maslow are: 1. Physiological needs 2. Safety needs.

3. Social needs.

4. Esteem needs.

5. Self-actualization needs.

In general, new employees tend to focus on the low-level needs but after they are satisfied they try to fulfill the higher ones. The implications are manifold but the major ones are: 1. Know your staff ¨C assess their particular needs and tailor your methods to their needs.

2. Avoid destabilising these factor upon which job dissatisfaction seemingly depend.

3. Use the motivating factors to advantage.

4. Identify those who have a high needs for achievement and develop...