Motivation in business.

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 Part Two

Motivation

Many people believe that they are motivated by earning money, but this is not entirely true, because other factors like variety of workplace and the need to be appreciated for the work they do also needs to be put into practice.
The need to be appreciated for the work they do may be reflected in the prestige attached to their job, and while the need for a variety in the workplace may be satisfied by an interesting job.
A factor, which effects motivation, is that every individual has different needs. For example an employee may prefer to work on his or her own than in a friendly team. In order to have good motivation employees needs have to be found. This is shown in how lack of motivation equals reduced effort and lack of commitment.
An example of how employee’s needs could be satisfied is through involving them in discussions so that they feel recognized and wanted. A business could also set up discussions with management about goals and working practices which would make employees feel their option counts and also that their contribution is valuable. In the long term this may result in the employee being willing to work longer hours or take responsibility.

Maslows theory
In 1954 Abraham Maslow identified five classes of needs these included physiological needs, safety needs, love and belonging, esteem needs and self-actualisation. The needs, which Maslow identified at the bottom of the pyramid, are based on basic needs concerned with survival, and these must be satisfied before a person can go to the next level. For example some people may be more concerned with basic needs such as food, than anything else. Although taking into account that once each need has been satisfied the ones below become less important, exception to self-actualization at the top, Maslow argued that although everybody is capable, very few actually reach this level. On the loose sheet labeled Figure 1 shows a diagram of Maslow’s theory.

In my opinion I think this theory is weak. For example if my position was to provide food and water for my child, I would still expect respect in the workplace to keep my esteem level high. An example is John is low down in Maslow’s hierarchy and will accept a poorer work environment and lack of respect because he needs his job to fulfill basic needs such as food, water, shelter, and security. Unlike his work colleague Steve who is financially secure without any commitments such as a wife and child. In theory his is on the esteem level and wants respect from others as he already has friends, family, shelter, security, and food and water. Contrasting from John he will not accept lack of respect from colleagues and a poor working environment because his job is not essential to him. In conclusion I feel that the Maslow theory has strong points but is weakened due to my experience in the workplace. I believe no matter what level you are on respect is still needed to enable you to feel wanted and for you to work efficiently.

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Herzberg’s theory

Another theory was introduced by the man Frederick Herzberg in 1959. Herzberg argues that Hygiene and motivators are equal, but that good hygiene will only lead to average performance without motivation factors. Creating a positive attitude or motivation to work added with the hygiene factor will create the perfect work place. To motivate the employee management must improve the content of the actual work they ask them to do. Building into tasks set a greater level of responsibility, and the opportunity to learn new skills which will make work more interesting, and improve the quality of the work experience for the ...

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