In: Economics
How far do the motivation frameworks reflects what motivates you as an organizational employee?
ANS
THE CONCEPT OF MOTIVATION
Motivation refers to the forces either within or external to a
person that arouse enthusiasm and persistence to pursue a certain
course of action. Employee motivation affects productivity, and
part of a manager’s job is to channel motivation toward
accomplishment of organizational goals. The study of motivation
helps understand what prompts people to initiate action, what
influences their choice of action, and why they persist in that
action over time.
People have basic needs such as for food, achievement, or money.
Needs motivate specific behavior designed to fulfill those needs.
Feedback tells people whether they were successful in fulfilling
their needs. If so, they feel rewarded by their success.
Intrinsic rewards are the satisfactions a person receives in the
process of performing a particular action. Extrinsic rewards are
given by another person, typically a manager, and include
promotions, pay increases, and other things employees’ value such
as extra time off.
The importance of motivation is that it can lead to behaviors that
reflect high performance within organizations. Managers have to
find the right combination of motivational techniques and rewards
to keep workers satisfied and productive in a variety of
organizational situations
CONTENT PERSPECTIVES ON MOTIVATION
Content theories emphasize the needs that motivate people; people
have basic needs such as food, achievement, or monetary reward.
These needs translate into an internal drive that motivates
specific behaviors in an attempt to satisfy the needs. To the
extent that managers understand employees’ needs, they can design
reward systems that meet them direct employees ’energies and
priorities toward attaining organizational goals.
The Hierarchy of Needs1.Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory
proposes that humans are motivated by multiple needs, existing in a
hierarchical order
a. Physiological needs. The most basic human physical needs
including food, water, and oxygen. In the organizational setting,
these needs include adequate heat, air, and base salary to ensure
survival.
b. Safety needs. These are the needs for a safe and secure physical
and emotional environment and free from threats of violence. In an
organizational workplace, safety needs are for safe jobs, fringe
benefits, and job security.
c. Belongingness needs. These needs are the desire to be accepted
by one’s peers, have friends, be part of a group, and be loved. On
the job, this translates into a desire for good relationships with
co-workers, participation in a work group, and a positive
relationship with supervisors.
d.Esteem needs. Esteem needs relate to the desire for a positive
self-image and the need to receive attention, recognition, and
appreciation from others. These needs are reflected in
organizations as a desire for recognition, increased responsibility
,high status, and credit for contributions to the organization