Question

1. Identify and describe three of the different theories of motivation (as discussed in class). Why is it difficult to determine how to motivate other people?

Answer 1

The first such theory is the Maslow's hierarchy of needs which is the most widely known theories of motivation. It categorizes needs into five categories:
1. Physiological:
2. Safety and security
3. Belonging and love
4. Self-esteem
5. Self actualization

The theory determines what will motivate someone based on what stage a person is in. For example someone grappling with poverty can be motivated with physiological rewards like food, shelter, sleep. Once a person has this, he will require safety and security then moving on to belonging and love. The fourth state if self-esteem and the pinnacle is self-actualization.
Once a person reaches a certain level, he or she would be motivated to reach the next level. The first four are deficiency needs and the last one self-actualization is a growth need.

The second such theory is McClelland- Need for achievement, affiliation and power
This theory is inspired by the Maslow's theory and is often called them Learned Needs Theory. As per this theory there are three motivators which transcend age or gender. Achievement talks about a need to accomplish and demonstrate success and skill.
Affiliation talks about need for love, belonging and relatedness. the third and last motivator is power whcih is a need to control- both self and others.

The third theory is the Herzberg- Two factor theory.
This theory talks about two factors- motivating factors- that cause job satisfaction and some hygiene factors which cause dissatisfaction. The job satisfiers deal with factors involved in doing the job, while the dissatisfactors talk about the context of the job. Hygiene factors include salary workplace conditions, safety etc and anything unsuitable across these cause dissatisfaction. The job satisfaction factors include achievement, recognition at work, responsibility and advancement.

No matter which theory we use, it is often difficult to determine how to motivate others. This is because the person is never at one single state and there are conflicting factors at play. Further, this factor can change with time quickly and what mix of motivating inputs will provide the best results is fairly indeterminable.