Question

Two motivational theories that focus on needs is Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and Herzberg's two factor theory. Clearly explain how they are differnt ( do not sinoly explain each; be sure to pount out how they are differnt)

Answer 1

MOTIVATION

Motivation is the urge that drives an individual in attaining the desired goals. Motivation is a force which pushes a person to work with high level of commitment and focus even if things are against him.

ABRAHAM MASLOW’S Hierarchy of Need Theory

Maslow believed that in order to motivate a person his needs is to be satisfied first. The need starts from the lowest level basic needs and keeps moving up as a lower level need is fulfilled.

1. Physiological Needs: the very first need that is to be satisfied would be the physical needs. These are the basic needs to sustain life such as food, shelter, water.

2. Safety Needs: Once physiological needs are met, one's attention turns to safety and security in order to be free from the threat of physical and emotional harm. Such needs might be fulfilled by: Living in a safe area, Medical insurance, Job security and financial reserves.

3. Social Needs: Once a person has met the lower level physiological and safety needs, higher level needs become important, the first of which are social needs. Social needs are those related to interaction with other people and may include: Need for friends, Need for belonging, need to give and receive love.

4. Esteem Needs: Once a person feels a sense of "belonging", the need to feel important arises. Esteem needs may be classified as internal or external. Internal esteem needs are those related to self-esteem such as self-respect and achievement. External esteem needs are those such as social status and recognition. Some esteem needs are: Self-respect, Achievement, Attention, Recognition and Reputation.

5. Self – Actualization: Self-actualization is the summit of Maslow's hierarchy of needs. It is the quest of reaching one's full potential as a person. Unlike lower level needs, this need is never fully satisfied; as one grows psychologically there are always new opportunities to continue to grow. Self-actualized persons have frequent occurrences of peak experiences, which are energized moments of profound happiness and harmony. According to Maslow, only a small percentage of the population reaches the level of self-actualization.

FREDERICK HERTZBERG TWO FACTOR THEORY

According to Sir Hertzberg there are 2 main factors in workplace that causes in job satisfaction. A small change in these factors can adversely affect the satisfaction level of employees in both positive and negative manner.

The 2 Factors are:

1. Motivation Factors: The presence of motivators causes employees to work harder. They are found within the actual job itself. Some of the motivating factors are; Achievement, Recognition for the job done, the nature of the job its growth and advancement opportunities etc.

2. Hygiene Factors: The absence of hygiene factors will cause employees to work less hard. Hygiene factors are not present in the actual job itself but surround the job. Hygiene factors include; Company policies, salary and working conditions, job security etc.

Difference between Maslow and Hertzberg Theory of Motivation

· Maslow’s theory is based on the concept of human needs and that are to be fulfilled in order to motivate a person while Herzberg’s theory explains the factors that lead to motivation and demotivation..

· In Maslow’s theory, any unsatisfied need of an individual serves as the motivator. Unlike in the case of Herzberg, only higher level needs are counted as the motivator.

· Maslow’s theory is mostly applicable to poor and developing countries where money is still a big motivating factor. While Herzberg’s theory is an extension of Maslow’s theory of motivation. It is on the other hand applicable to rich and developed countries where money is less important motivating factor.

· The basis of Maslow’s theory is human needs and their satisfaction. On the other hand, the Herzberg’s theory relies on reward and recognition.