Introduction
Motivation can be defined as any reason or incentive for a person to act or behave in a particular manner. This essay will examine two theories of motivation and then explain how these theories may be applied by managers in the setting of a business organisation in order to motivate their employees more effectively. The theories examined by this essay will be;
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Locke and Latham’s Goal Setting Theory
Each will be examined firstly and then shown how it could be applied by managers in a business organisation setting in order to more effectively motivate employees.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Examination:
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs theory is based on the needs of people being motivators for them to act …show more content…
As the employee gains one level they are motivated by the next so the manager therefore should use the desired level as incentives for employees to work harder. An example of this would be a manager offering a part-time worker a full-time position should they hit certain targets in a particular time period. This would provide that employee with the incentive to work hard to achieve job security
Locke and Latham’s Goal Setting Theory
Examination:
The Goal Setting Theory states that there is a “a positive linear relationship between a specific high goal and task performance.”(Latham and Locke 2007 p.2).Therefore it can be assumed that the more specific and clear that a task is made to an employee the higher their level of performance will be. However the goals that are set must be SMART;
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Results-focused …show more content…
Indeed it is likely easier applied personally as one should be able to readily identify at what level in the pyramid they lie. For myself I am at the stage where I seek job security as I am on a short term contract. However I am working with the promise that should I continue to work hard I will be guaranteed a lengthier contract. Regarding my studies I am probably at the self-actualisation stage, as in I am at DCU to reach my full academic potential. While I realise this will take a full four years, or possibly more should I continue my education after my under graduate degree is complete, I am motivated by the opportunities afforded by a business degree from
Motivation can be defined as any reason or incentive for a person to act or behave in a particular manner. This essay will examine two theories of motivation and then explain how these theories may be applied by managers in the setting of a business organisation in order to motivate their employees more effectively. The theories examined by this essay will be;
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Locke and Latham’s Goal Setting Theory
Each will be examined firstly and then shown how it could be applied by managers in a business organisation setting in order to more effectively motivate employees.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Examination:
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs theory is based on the needs of people being motivators for them to act …show more content…
As the employee gains one level they are motivated by the next so the manager therefore should use the desired level as incentives for employees to work harder. An example of this would be a manager offering a part-time worker a full-time position should they hit certain targets in a particular time period. This would provide that employee with the incentive to work hard to achieve job security
Locke and Latham’s Goal Setting Theory
Examination:
The Goal Setting Theory states that there is a “a positive linear relationship between a specific high goal and task performance.”(Latham and Locke 2007 p.2).Therefore it can be assumed that the more specific and clear that a task is made to an employee the higher their level of performance will be. However the goals that are set must be SMART;
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Results-focused …show more content…
Indeed it is likely easier applied personally as one should be able to readily identify at what level in the pyramid they lie. For myself I am at the stage where I seek job security as I am on a short term contract. However I am working with the promise that should I continue to work hard I will be guaranteed a lengthier contract. Regarding my studies I am probably at the self-actualisation stage, as in I am at DCU to reach my full academic potential. While I realise this will take a full four years, or possibly more should I continue my education after my under graduate degree is complete, I am motivated by the opportunities afforded by a business degree from