Question

There are two types of motivation theories; Content and Process. In your opinion does both types can be apply concurrently. Provide an example of any one theory from both types and justify your arguments.

Answer 1

Both the content and process motivation theories provide insight into what motivates individuals. The only difference between these two theories is that content theories talk about people’s needs and process theories focus on people’s behavior. However, both types of motivation theories can be concurrently applied in the workplace to motivate the employees simultaneously.

In the workplace, motivation is built using five motivational theories proposed by academics. It is possible to use multiple theories at a time to motivate workers. However, sometimes using both types of motivation theories can make employees and managers confused. Hence, managers need to follow these theories one by one and not imply them at the same time.

The workplace must apply content theories prior to the application of process theories. Content theories help individuals to understand their needs and process theories help them to rectify and understand their behavioral aspects according to those needs.

For instance, Maslow’s need theory helps the individual to understand five levels of needs. These are from the lowest to highest: physiological, safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization needs. After understanding these needs, people can identify what level they presently belong to. It helps them to identify what they actually should do to get those needs. After understanding the need theory, people now get knowledge of behavioral aspects of what they expect from others and what others expect from them. Understanding the process theories can help them to minimize this confusion. For instance, equity theory by John Stacey Adams is based on fair treatment in the workplace and how it contributes to motivate the workers. This theory also helps the employees in unionizing to combat any challenges.