Question

Choose one of the early motivation theories from the following list and discuss how you believe it is applicable in today's business world. You may choose from: Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, Alderfer's ERG Need Theory, McClelland's 3 Needs Theory, Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory, or McGregor's Theory X/Theory Y.

Answer 1

Answer: One of the earliest Motivation theory is Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory.

Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory states that an employee has series of needs. Basic needs must be followed for the Employee to concentrate on work. After satisfying basic needs, Employee can no longer be motivated by fulfilling these basic needs because now he has upper level needs. So every wants something different and you can't motivate two persons by same motivation methods if they are on different level of hierarchy of needs. Maslow classified needs into 5 needs. These needs are hierarchical i.e., if 1st need isn't fulfiled then Employee can't move on to 2nd need. After fulfilling 1st need the Consumer will move on to 2nd.

• Physiological needs: These are the basic needs like food, shelter, clothing, etc. These are the needs which must be met so that the person can survive. These needs are fulfilled by giving adequate wages and facilities to the workers. Employees work to satisfy these needs.
• Safety needs: Safety need is the need to secure the future i.e., to make sure that in future employee will be able to meet it's physiological needs. These needs are satisfied by providing employment security, retirement plan, etc.
• Belonging and love needs (Social needs): This is the need for love, affection, friendship, family etc. After the security needs are fulfilled, Employee try to fulfill social needs. If these needs aren't met, employee feels lonely, and depressed. These social needs can be fulfilled by arranging office get togethers and annual festival functions, etc.
• Self-esteem needs: It is the need for respect from colleagues, and society. Employee wants to others to recognise their capabilities and respect him. This need is satisfied by praising the Employee in front of whole office, or including him in decision making or promoting him to high status.
• Self-actualisation needs: This is the need for achieving the person's lifetime goal. For example, serving the country in army or reaching a top position in an organisation or doing a great social work, etc.

Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory is still relevant in today's business world because we see that every employee has different needs and all can't be motivated by single method. According to Maslow, we need to first identify the needs of the employee then look for means to motivate him/her. Some Employees may have physiological needs or some may have social needs, so only monetary rewards or social gatherings are not sufficient to meet the needs of all Employees. In today's world, personal development and growth are considered the most important aspects of Employee motivation. Maslow's theory focus on these needs (Self esteem needs and social needs). Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory is still widely used in many organisations and is still very relevant, but you can't rely on this theory completely, you need to modify the theory according to your organisation needs, afterall it's only a model.