Question

Describe and compare the basic contributions of Maslow and Herzberg to the understanding of worker motivation. (Chapter 10)

Answer 1

According to Maslow's theory of motivation, the worker's motivation depends on hierarchy of needs including personal, social and self realization needs. As per the hierarchy of needs by Maslow, the workers move to higher levels of needs when their basic needs are satisfied like food, shelter, housing, safety and security. The workers are further motivated to satisfy social needs of friends and society and then to self esteem and self realization related needs.

The Herzberg's theory of needs of motivation focuses on factors related to job and workplace including hygiene and motivators. The hygiene factors are extrinsic factors related to workplace like work environment and policies. The intrinsic factors are called motivators based on job related content, goal achievement, appreciation and career growth opportunities. The favourable hygiene factors reduce job dissatisfaction while the motivators or task related factors like job responsibilities and feedback is responsible for employee satisfaction.

Maslow's theory of motivation when compared to Herzberg's theory considers personal and work related factors for workers motivation while Herzberg's theory of motivation is based on factors related to work and workplace. Maslow's theory explains the motivation based on the hierarchy of needs starting from basic needs till achievement and self fulfilment and Herzberg's theory of motivation considers the work related environment for job dissatisfaction. Job related factors like roles and responsibilities motivate employees with chances to perform better and providing opportunities for career growth and advancement.