Principles+and+Theories+Supporting+the+Concepts

​  Principles and Theories Supporting Chapter Concepts

Understanding individual motivation is rooted in these theories:
>
 * Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs:
 * Maslow's theory illustrates motivation through his five-level pyramid diagram (Weinbach, 2008, p. 132) . Based upon which level the worker has achieved, one can determine the unmet needs that are motivating the worker.
 * For example: In the movie //Office Space//, Peter struggles with ** self-actualization ** when bosses stifle his ability to use his talents and be challenged at work. When his company undergoes downsizing, Peter hatches a scheme to cope with **safety-level needs** to protect from losing what he has (Rappaport & Judge, 1999).[[image:http://tdistler.com/media/images/OfficeSpaceMotivation.jpg width="300" height="240" align="center" caption="tdistler.com"]]
 * Critique on  Maslow (Weinbach, 2008, p. 132-3) :
 * Maslow asserted that only unmet needs motivate workers.
 * How much is adequate to fulfill a level? This is different for each individual.
 * Each worker must be assessed to provide tasks appropriate to their needs and level, in order to raise morale.
 * Maslow's theory oversimplifies motivation. Wouldn't needs change in any given moment or situation? (Think of poor Peter!)
 * Article: Motivating Employees - by Dave F.>>
 * Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory - by Kellie S.>


 * McClelland's Needs Theory - by Kellie S.>


 * Other Theories :
 * Maslow, Herzberg, and McClelland assume an individual's motivation is a function of needs. Others see it differently (Weinbach, 2008, p. 140) :
 * Victor Vroom thought a worker chose behaviors based on minimizing pain and maximizing pleasure of the consequences.
 * B.F. Skinner similarly believed behavior is ** reinforced **through positive consequences and discouraged by the bad.[[image:http://store.perspicuity.com/sections/Products/Press.sized.jpg width="321" height="384" align="center"]]