Motivation Theories used in Organisations

University Degree Business and Administrative studies

Motivation is an important factor to be considered when running an organisation as it has effect on the way in the productivity of the workers. A less motivated worker will be less productive than a motivated worker. In the following essay I have taken into account three examples of organisations which are Linn products, McDonalds and facebook. The essay focuses on how these organisations have successfully used motivation theories in their organisation. The organisation theories include Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, the inner work life theory developed by Steven Kramer and Teresa Amabile and the expectancy theory by Edward Chace.

Linn products are a full service aluminium extruder, fabricator and anodizer. Working conditions are safe, clean and an organised environment with respectful people.

Some of the benefits provided by this organisation are medical insurance, prescription insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, long term disability insurance, life insurance, life insurance, paid vacations, paid holidays and profit sharing. Additional benefits such as tuition reimbursement program, short term disability program, life insurance, and disability benefits. This worker friendly manner of running the organisation leads to motivation.

According to Abraham Maslow motivation needs can be divided into a hierarchical levels which are physiological needs which involve the basic needs such as food, housing etc, safety needs which include both psychological (job satisfaction) and physical safety (safety equipment), love and belonging which involves a feeling of being part of the organisation and knowing that you are appreciated in the organisation, esteem needs such as job perks such as company cars and self actualisation where the individual thinks only of the needs of the organisation on not of oneself.

From the above mentioned manner in which Linn products operates it can be seen that the safety needs both psychological and physical have been met as the organisation provides workers with aces to proper healthcare as well as providing them with the necessary safety at work. The provision of paid holidays and profit sharing helps to meet the workers esteem needs. Also the fact that the organisation takes good care of its workers and provides them with many benefits it could be said a sense of love and belonging is created. Since the workers are paid well they are also ...

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The inner work life theory developed by Steven Kramer and Teresa Amabile states that our behaviour and performance at work are influenced by the interplay of our perceptions, emotions and motives. The provision of access to healthcare and paid holidays and a share in profit means that workers begin to get a feeling of happiness as they feel that by working for the organisation they are benefitting immensely. Also the pleasant working environment helps to enhance this fact.

The expectancy theory by Edward Chace States that individual motivation depends on the value of outcomes, the expectancy effort will lead to good performance, and the instrumentality of performance in producing valued outcomes.

Once again the aspect of profit sharing comes into play because according to this theory it could be said that the fact that the workers have a chance of sharing the profit means that they would be motivated as they know that their effort will lead to a valued outcome which in this case is a share in profits.

McDonalds the well known worldwide fast food franchise famous for its burgers too has strong implications of motivation taken into consideration.

Mc Donald’s takes into account the fact that most of its employees are working in order to gain things in life such as pay for college, earn and save money to buy a car etc therefore McDonalds provides privileges regardless of your position in the organisation. Some of these privileges include competitive wages, free uniforms, discounted meals, flexible hours, healthcare benefits, paid holidays and educational assistance. The organisation goes on to provide workers with schedules that fit the way they live their life. McDonalds also provides a training program called restaurant operations leadership which gives workers the necessary training they need to climb the corporate ladder and even open up their own McDonalds restaurant.

Taking McDonalds motivation techniques from the view of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs it could be said that both types of safety needs are met as there is a very high level of job security. A sense of love and belonging can also be seen as the organisation tends to take a caring approach towards its workers for example by letting the workers have a schedule that fits them. Physiological needs are met as well due to the fact that workers are able to take care of themselves with the wage paid and even have some money to save for whatever purpose they have in mind. Safety needs too are being met as healthcare is provided by the organisation. Also due to the fact that McDonalds takes a lot of effort to provide their workers with opportunities psychological safety is met.

The esteem needs of workers too are met as they are given paid vacations and also training which enables them to stand a chance of improving their lives and achieving their esteem needs.

Also according to the expectancy theory the workers will be motivated as their training can lead to them even being able to start up their own restaurant.

The inner work theory suggests that the workers will be motivated as they feel emotionally happy about the treatment they receive and also they will have the perception that working for McDonalds can help them come up in life.

Another example where Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is met is in the social networking organisation known as facebook.

The employees at facebook are generally web engineers and designers present to find ways of improving the site.

The working conditions at facebook although is very relaxed as workers are allowed to come to work dressed in casual clothes.

Facebook provides its workers with a variety of benefits which include paid parental leave and baby cash which allows workers to have upto four months of parental leave and $4000 in cash for all new custodial parents employed, Paid time off for vacation, Discounts for transportation and free meals.

The physiological needs of a person according to this scenario are very well met. The safety needs in terms of psychological safety have been taken very well into consideration in my opinion as giving a lot of paid leave when needed and up to four months of parental leave means that a sense of job security is present which satisfies the psychological safety aspect of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.

Facebook shows a lot of care towards its workers which helps to create a sense of being welcome and being considered part of an extended family which helps to create a sense of love and belonging.

Taking into account the inner work life theory it could be said that workers would feel a sense of loyalty and happiness to work for facebook as they feel that the company looks after its workers well also the fact that one does not have to wear office wear may result in workers feeling more relaxed and feel that they have a very comfortable working environment and therefore they will be motivated to give their best towards the company.

According to the expectancy theory it could be said that the outcome that people get from working for facebook are all the benefits that are given to workers which are higher than most organisations. This would result in workers once again being motivated to give their best.

On the whole it could be said that all the above mentioned examples of reputed organisations operate in ways which provide their workers with motivation.

When it comes to the inner work life theory we see that companies take into account the suspected perceptions, emotions and motives that workers generally have into account.

Organisations also try to provide its employees with a positive outcome for their services thereby motivating them to give their best. For example in the case of Linn products workers are given a share of profit. This means that the expectancy theory is being followed.

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs too is followed as all the above mentioned organisations provide motivation in such a way that most of the levels are satisfied except for self actualisation as it takes time for a worker to be motivated to such a high level.