What Are The Five Theories Of Motivation?

There are many factors that can affect the overall success of a business. Yet, few are as important to understand and master as employee motivation. This is because a highly motivated workforce translates into increased productivity which helps ensure that the business reach its goals. Business owners who are smart make sure that a well thought out and tested motivation strategy is firmly embedded into the business model. Further, they are sure to consider how major decisions could affect their staff. In order to gain a better understanding of what drives the motivation of an employee, we must examine where motivation comes from both from a physical and psychological perspective, review the various theories of motivation, the importance

The first is Herzberg’s two-factor theory. Developed by psychologist Frederick Herzberg in the 1950s, it is a model that divides motivational forces into satisfiers (motivators) and dis-satisfiers (hygiene factors) (Bovee & Thill, 2015). According to Dr. Herzberg, while motivator factors increased employee satisfaction and motivation, the absence of these factors do not necessarily cause dissatisfaction. Moreover, this theory claims that despite the fact motivator and hygiene factors both influence motivation, they can and do work entirely independently of one other. The second theory is called Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Developed by psychologist Abraham Maslow in 1943, this theory suggests that an individuals’ most basic needs must be met before they become motivated to achieve higher level needs (Panay, 2016). The five tiered hierarchy consists of physiological, safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization needs. According to Mazlow, you must be in good health, safe and secure with meaningful relationships and confidence before you are to actualize your full potential and thus be