Question

what are the main features of maslows hierarchy of needs and herzbergs motivation hygiene theories

Answer 1

Main features of Maslows hierarchy of needs:

1. Human needs are interrelated and maybe arranged in a hierarchy with the lower-level needs to be at least satisfied to some extent before we progress towards the higher-level needs.

2. Our needs can be classified into five categories-

i) Physiological

ii) Safety

iii) Love and belonging

iv) Self esteem

v) Self actualization

3. Satisfied needs are not a motivator as only unsatisfied need can motivate us into action.

4. Every person wants to progress up the need hierarchy and a higher-level need arises before the satisfaction of lower-level need.

5. The theory is criticized with the opponents even saying that hierarchy of needs does not exist at all and in any given person, all levels of needs are present at a given time. Further, Maslow’s assumption about psychological health is not acceptable to critics and the theory is difficult to test but still immensely popular.

Main features of Herzbergs motivation hygiene theories:

1. Human being's job satisfaction depends on two kinds of factors-

i) Factors for satisfaction termed as motivators - Performance, recognition, responsibility and growth related opportunities

ii) Factors for dissatisfaction referred as hygiene factors - Salary, secondary working conditions, relationship between manager and employee.

2. Herzberg claims these factors function on the same plane implying satisfaction and dissatisfaction aren’t diametrically opposites.

3. There can occur four different combinations at work:

i) High hygiene and high motivation- In this ideal situation, workers are highly motivated.

ii) High hygiene and low motivation- Employees are not so much motivated and they work just for their salary.

iii) Low hygiene and high motivation- Employees are motivated but there maybe issues about salary, work conditions etc.

iv) Low hygiene and low motivation- The worst condition wherein employees are demotivated with several complaints.