APPLIED BUSINESSMOTIVATION

WHAT IS MOTIVATION?

Motivation can be defined in two ways:-

Some writers believe that motivation is the willingness to achieve a target or goal. This assumes that employees require some external factor or stimulus to motivate them.

Other writers define motivation as the will to work because of enjoying work for its own sake (such people might talk about “loving their job”). This view of motivation suggests that motivation comes from within an individual employee.

THE BENEFIT OF HIGHLY MOTIVATED WORKFORCES

Worker absenteeism is likely to be low, ensuring that the supply of goods and services is not interrupted.

The workforce is more likely to be highly productive and to supply a high-quality product with few errors. This can make the business highly competitive.

Motivated employees are more likely to offer ideas and suggestions to improve the production process and the business’s goods and services.

Labour turnover is more likely to be low because motivated employees are more likely to experience job satisfaction. This can help a business to avoid the substantial costs incurred in recruiting and training new employees.

MODELS OF MOTIVATION

There are many models of motivation. The AQA specification requires you to

understand and apply to different scenarios the theory as proposed in:

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Herzberg’s Two Factor Theory McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y

MASLOW AND HERZBERG

These models are similar in the sense that they both consider the psychological aspects of work.

By examining the psychological needs of workers, Maslow and Herzberg argued that managers should see employees as individuals with different needs, hopes and personalities.

Their models highlight the fact that because people are different, and have varying needs, different techniques will be required to motivate them.

MCGREGOR

McGregor was, like Maslow and Herzberg, a psychologist.

His theories are not theories of motivation. He examined how managers view their subordinates. His work helps to inform us how different types of

managers and leaders might set about motivating employees.

It does not identify explicitly techniques that may be used to enhance the performance of employees by improving their motivation.

His work is a simple reminder of the natural rules for managing people, which under pressure of day-to-day business are all too easily forgotten.

It is a principal from which to develop positive management styles and techniques.

ACTIVITY

Research the following:

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Frederick Herzberg’s two-factor theory. Douglas McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y.

o Give an explanation of each in your own words using appropriate diagrams.