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An Understanding of Various Motivation Theories

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An Understanding of Various Motivation Theories
Describe, compare and contrast one process and one content theory of motivation. Evaluate how appropriate they are for organisations today.

This essay’s aim is to analyse and establish an understanding of various motivation theories and their possible application within organisations. Along with implementing, the information related to motivation, this essay would demonstrate the importance of motivation and it is necessary for organisations to motivate their employees effectively

Motivation derives from the Latin word “movere” which means to move. Luthans (1998) defines motivation as “a process which begins with physiological or psychological need or deficiency which triggers behaviour or a drive that is aimed at a goal or an incentive“. In other words, an individual must feel a need to an extent that will drive them to satisfying it. Some psychologists and business people define motivation as the thing that makes people do something, which usually they will not do. Motivation is a fundamental psychological approach where the management process of inducing employee’s behaviour established on the evidence of what causes people to click (Luthans, 1998). Theories of motivation presume that motivational behaviour happens due to work fulfils their psychological needs or because there appears to be a link between effort and performance and performance and value of outcomes (R. Fincham & P. Rhodes 2009). There are two types of motivational theories: content theories, which focus on the specific identity of what it is deep down in an individual or his environment that stimulates and assists behaviour. In addition, process theories that strive to understand how specific variables interact and affect each other to create certain kinds of behaviour.

A good example of content theory is Frederick Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory or Motivation-Hygiene Theory (Herzberg et al. 1959). Herzberg proposed the Two - Factor Theory following the models and presumptions of needs and

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