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Motivation theory at work essay
Application of motivation theories in organizational behaviour
An analysis of how motivational theory can inform employee motivation
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A dynamic, motivational manager within the workplace must be an individual that takes the time to understand himself and those that fall under his charge. Motivation is not inherent and research has proven a direct correlation to behavior and the functions of the brain. Merriam Webster’s definition of motivation states that it is “a force or influence that causes someone to do something” which leads to the definition of behavior which is “the manner of conducting oneself”. This paper will research why beings act a certain way, those that paved the path and what underlying factors promote successful behavioral outcomes to motivate within life and the workplace.
Thomas Edison believed that “ones greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most
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The two theories “distinguish between motivators and hygiene factors (the name hygiene is used because, like hygiene, the presence will not make you healthier, but absence can cause health deterioration) motivators encompass challenging work, recognition, and responsibility. These motivators give positive satisfaction arising from intrinsic (intangibles) conditions of the job itself. The hygiene factors such as status, job security and benefits are extrinsic (tangible) and do not give positive satisfaction, though dissatisfaction results from their absence”. Furthermore, according to Herzberg “the job should have sufficient challenge to utilize the full ability of the employee. Employees who demonstrate increasing levels of ability should be given increasing levels of responsibility. If a job cannot be designed to use an employee’s full abilities, then the firm should consider automating the task or replacing the employee with one who has a lower level of skill. Lastly, if a person cannot be fully utilized then there will be a motivation concern”
Theories of Motivation What is the motivation for this? According to the text, motivation is defined as a set of factors that activate, direct, and maintain behavior, usually toward a certain goal. Motivation is the energy that makes us do things; this is a result of our individual needs being satisfied so that we have inspiration to complete the mission. These needs vary from person to person as everybody has their individual needs to motivate themselves.
He developed the motivation-hygiene theory to explain these results. He called the satisfiers motivators and the dissatisfiers hygiene factors, using the term "hygiene" in the sense that they are considered maintenance factors that are necessary to avoid dissatisfaction but that by themselves do not provide satisfaction. Herzberg reasoned that because the factors causing satisfaction are different from those causing dissatisfaction, the two feelings cannot simply be treated as opposites of one another. The opposite of satisfaction is not dissatisfaction, but rather, no satisfaction. Similarly, the opposite of dissatisfaction is no dissatisfaction. While at first glance this distinction between the two opposites may sound like a play on words, Herzberg argued that there are two distinct human needs portrayed. First, there are physiological needs that can be fulfilled by money, for example, to purchase food and shelter. Second, there is the psychological need to achieve and grow, and this need is fulfilled by activities that cause one to grow. The job should have sufficient challenge to utilize the full ability of the employee. Employees who demonstrate increasing levels of ability should be given increasing levels of responsibility. If a job cannot be designed to use an employee's full abilities, then the firm should consider automating the task or replacing the employee with one who has a lower level of skill. If a person cannot be fully utilized, then there will be a motivation
Motivation is therefore the force that transforms and uplifts people to be productive and perform in their jobs. Maximising an employee's motivation is necessary and vital to successfully accomplish the organisation's objectives and targets. However this is a considerable challenge to any organisation's managers, due to the complexity of motivation and the fact that there is no ready made solution or an answer to what motivates people to work well (Mullins, 2002).
In addition, by conducting an effective job evaluation for both frontline and backup staff, the value added by each could be determined. Specifically, this was achieved by measuring the required level of skill and effort, responsibility and respective working conditions of each segment (McShane et al, 2013). Consequently, using the principles behind Herzberg Motivation-Hygiene Theory described by (Robbins et al. 2012 p.271) it was identified, that front line employees needed greater recognition, greater praise and appreciation, increased job security and finally further opportunities, for personal growth, within the organisation. Similarly, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory is adopted, as frontline employee self-esteem, need for recognition and self-actualisation, contributes to achieving their full potential (Kulchmanov et al. 2014). Therefore, the effect of the introduced changes to the workplace, combined with adopting Maslow’s and Herzberg’s need theories, created a better working environment that encouraged job satisfaction (Robbins et al. 2012 p.271) and it is possible that Dr Chen, was well aware that job enrichment comprises the modification of tasks, in order that the employees can have an increased knowledge of the factors of motivation (Sachau, 2007).
As with any theory, the motivator-hygiene theory has its share of criticisms. Among them is the lack of consideration for individual differences. Herzberg’s theory only takes into account internal organizational factors and does not consider personal attitudes and beliefs of one’s work. Moreover, the two-factor theory assumes that high job satisfaction equates to performance at work. This, however, does not hold true in many situations.(insert example) A highly satisfied, content, and happy worker is not necessarily the hardest worker in an organization.
Robbins and Judge define motivation by means of three elements. The first element is defined as being the process that account for an individual’s intensity which is concerned with how hard a person tries. The second element is direction that benefits the organization and the third element is persistence which is a measure of how long a person can maintain effort. Motivation is also driven by certain situations that vary between individuals and within individuals, at different times. (Robbins & Judge, 2007, p.186) These elements should not only be expected from employees but from managers as well.
Motivation is an important concept which is critical for understanding of and improvement in organizational behaviour and performance. It is therefore important for the managers to understand motivation. It is an important tool which they can use to get more out of their employees and increase organizational performance. Motivation can be defined as the factors, both internal as well as external which arouse in individuals the desire and commitment for a job (Mele, 2005, p. 15). Organizational performance on the other hand refers to the degree to which the organizational objectives have been achieved.
Of the numerous speculations of work motivation, Herzberg's (1998) motivator hygiene theory has been a standout amongst the most persuasive in late decades. Essentially, the hypothesis isolates propelling variables into two classifications: Motivator factors, which have a remark with the work itself, and Hygiene factors, which have a remark with the encompassing
There is no shortage of motivational theories, just as there is none for leadership theories; however there are a few particularly important ones. It is interesting to note that even some of the most notable ideas of motivation are nothing more than untested hypotheses with simple anecdotal observations as a backbone that has served for years of...
When it is discovered that a worker can fulfill the requirements of their job, but are experiencing shortcomings in doing so, many times it is believed that worker motivation may be the root of the problem (Laird 95). What, though, is work motivation? According to Laird (2006), “motivation is a fundamental component of performance “ and “is the reason that someone chooses to do some things and chooses not to do others”. In other words, work motivation is what energizes workers to the level of output required to fulfill a task, directs their energy towards the objectives that they need to accomplish, and sustains that level of effort over a period of time (Steers et al., 2004). In essence, worker motivation is what gets the job done. Employee motivation has always been a central problem in the workplace, and, as an individual in a supervisory position, it becomes ones duty to understand and institute systems that ensure the proper motivation of your subordinates. Proper motivation of employees can ensure high productivity and successful workflow, while low worker motivation can result in absenteeism, decreased productivity rates, and turnover. A large body of research has been produced regarding motivation, and much of this research is applicable to the workplace. Due to the nature of man, motivation varies from individual to individual, and, because of this, there is no one system that is the best for ensuring worker motivation in every organizational situation, and, as a product, many theories have been created to outline what drives people to satisfactorily complete their work tasks. Throughout the course of this document, the three main types of these motivational theories will be outlined and examples of each as well...
People’s behaviour is determined by what motivates them. The aim of this essay is to discuss the essence of the motivation and psychological strengths, its evolution, a brief overview of the key theories of the employees’ motivation and behaviour analysis. The main task is to understand how motivation affects employee behaviour and to clarify the importance of motivation. In this essay I will discuss and produce definitions and examples to answer the main question of what is the driving force and how do people’s needs influence performance at work?
Motivation is an important function in organizations to motivate their employees for their ability to perform well, improving their skills, increasing productivity, job satisfaction and employee extension. Employees also are not a machines that we could just program their task in their brain and they will do it automatically, they require motivation to actually do their job properly. And so, after discussing the process models of the Maslow’s “Hierarchy of needs”, Douglas McGregor theory X and Y, and also the Herzberg’s “two factor motivation hygiene theory.” understanding the ways of motivating people, the human nature, and the substance of nature. I believe that the true motivation can only come from within and also managers can actually motivate all of their employees.
Keeping workers motivated in today workplace can be not just a job, but also an adventure. In many organizations this is a challenge because the workplace is made up of a diverse cultural environment. Managers are still the driving force for any business and the responsibility and demand to ac...
Motivation, as defined in class, is the energy and commitment a person is prepared to dedicate to a task. In most of organisations, motivation is one of the most troublesome problems. Motivation is about the intensity, direction and persistence of reaching a goal. During the class, we have learned a substantial theories of motivation and many theories of motivations are used in real business. Each theory seems to have different basic values. But, they all have been analysed for one reason, recognising what motivates and increases the performance of employees. Ident...
Aaron, Simon, and Wesley possess strong intrinsic motivation. Managers desire to strengthen within their employees. Monetary rewards are not necessarily the right solution as money is an extrinsic motivator, meaning it is a tangible reward that is not achieved solely individually but rather received from another source (Evans 1970). As Hertzberg’s motivation theory explained. "Hertzberg’s motivation theory concentrates more on the factors which lead to job satisfaction or dissatisfaction. Factors that lead to job satisfaction are called satisfiers or motivators because they elicit positive feelings towards the job and provide personal satisfaction. These include achievement, the nature of work itself (challenging work provides job satisfaction) and advancement and responsibility. Satisfiers motivate the employee to greater productivity. The Dissatisfies (hygiene factors) describe the relationship of the employee to the context of the environment in which he performs his job. These are those elements within a working environment which help generate negative feelings towards the job and do not induce people towards greater effort. Dissatisfies include uncomfortable work conditions, company policy and administration, technical supervision, salary, interpersonal relations, the superiors, subordinates and