Question

Please explain how the following problems of a company can be addressed in a company by applying major approaches to motivation (including needs theories and Maslow's hierarchy of needs). also please explain how the approaches and theories can be applied to understand the company's issues and to enhance performance and productivity. (please note that There are five approaches to motivation. That is instinct approach, drive reduction approach, arousal approach, incentive approach, and cognitive approach. plus needs theories and Maslow's hierarchy of needs)

- low motivation and job satisfaction

- increased absenteeism and tardiness

- Poor work performance and service

- elevated stress and conflict among employees.

Answer 1

Needs theory by McClelland explains that motivation can strongly relate to (a) power (b) achievement (c) affiliation.These three needs are experienced and learned through one's environmental exposure. Following to this, Maslow's hierarchy needs for motivation described 5 stages (a) physiological needs (b) safety needs (c) belongingness (d) esteem (e) self actualization.These 5 stages broadly belong to physiological, psychological and fulfillment models.These two motivation theories explain how people are motivated and seek the path of fulfillment in an organisation.The issues (on regular basis) of increased absteenism,tardiness,low motivation,elevated stress are experienced by the employees, who geneuinely dont find their work motivating at all.Ultimately humans will consciously and unconsciously follow the route that fulfill their implicit goals. However, if employees dont find motivating atmosphere there bound to get performance problems and decreased productivity.

• Arousal Approach views that a specific arousal is required to stimulate motivation, such as thrill seeking. This can be useful in low motivation and enhancing job satisfaction in employees.Additionally Maslow's hierarchy motivation theory can be followed as well to track the issues.
• Instinct approach is based on the instincts (innate behaviour) of people that draws motivation.Instinct approach is based on the instincts (innate behaviour)of people that draws motivation.The issues of increased absenteeism and tardiness may be related to the fact that concerned person is not instinctively related to his/her job.
• Incentive approach is meant for uplifting the performance of employees by introducing incentive or perks.Poor work performance and service may be catered by this approach.
• Elevated stress and conflict among employees can be acknowledged and solved using cognitive approach.  

Good life!