Employee Motivation

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Recommended: Summary of motivation theories

Bauer and Erdrogen (2009) define motivation as “the desire to achieve a goal or a certain performance level, leading to goal–directed behavior” (p.97). McConnell (2006) argues that true motivation is self motivation. Today, health care organizations place a lot of emphasis on production and performance. However, motivating employees is a common challenge faced by health care managers and Bauer and Erdrogen (2009) state it is also one of the factors that greatly affect performance. McConnell (2006) states that managers cannot motivate employee; however, they can provide an environment that encourages employees to motivate themselves. Most employees are motivated; however, health care managers are constantly trying various efforts in their workplaces to encourage increased performance among employees who are not performing. Therefore, it is important that managers are aware of “what motivates people?” and “why do some employees try to reach their targets and pursue excellence while others merely show up at work and count the hours?” (Bauer & Erdogen,2009,p.98). There have been numerous researches on motivation and as a result many theories have evolved.

Several theories on motivation exist. These theories are categorized as either content (needs-based) theories or process theories. Udechukwu (2009) states that process theories of motivation focus on the needs or values that favor job satisfaction. Adam’s equity theory, Vroom's expectancy theory, Skinner's reinforcement theory, and Locke's goal setting theory fall under process theories of motivation category. On the other hand, content theories of motivation focus on “the particular needs that must be attained for an individual to be satisfied with his or her job” (Udechukwu, 200...

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...p managers understand employees’ behavior as it relates to motivation.

Works Cited

Bauer. T & Erdrogen .B (2009). Organizational behavior. Nyjack, N.J: Flat World Knowledge Inc.

McConnell, C, R. (2006). Umiker management skills for the new health care supervisor (4th ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett publishers

Mind tools (n.d). Herzberg's motivators and hygiene factors: learn how to motivate your team. Retrieved from http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTMM_74.htm#

Sadri, G., & Bowen, R. (2011). Meeting employee requirements: Maslow's hierarchy of needs is still a reliable guide to motivating staff. Industrial Engineer: IE, 43(10), 44-48. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Udechukwu, I. I. (2009). Correctional officer turnover: of Maslow's needs hierarchy and Herzberg's motivation theory. Public Personnel Management, 38(2), 69-82. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

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