Question

Explain why an understanding of human motivation is essential to MACS design.

Answer 1

Abraham Maslow in the early 1940s came up with a hierarchy of needs as a part of his theory of motivation. Jis theory includes five types of needs starting from the physiological needs to self fulfillment needs. Physiological needs include the essential needs for survival such as food, air, water, shelter and sleep. The salary and working conditions address these needs. Security needs relate to aspects such as steady employment and safe workplace. Social needs are concerned with compatibility with other employees, pleasant and friendly colleagues. Ego needs relate to social recognition aspects such as job title and performance related bonus. Self actualization needs concern with personal growth such as challenging work, avenues for creativity and innovation at work.

All these needs are important as per Maslow theory, but an understanding of human motivation is essential to MACS design because when MACS designers do not understand the basic elements of motivation, then the MACS design will be faculty and incomplete. Motivation is the key to a well designed MACS because:-

a) People desire to be creative and to solve problems.

b) Most (but not all) people desire to work and motivation is essential to increase all the employee's desire to work.

c) People are now working in complex information filled environments.