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Motivation

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Motivation, employee motivation in particular, is one of the topics in the field of organizational behaviour that have attracted a great deal of research and attention. This is understandable considering the significant role of motivated employees in and their contribution to the smooth and successful operation of any organization that involves the work and interaction of people.

In an attempt to explain motivation and describe the factors that may affect motivation, a number of scholars have invested their time and effort studying this matter, which results in quite a number of theories of motivation. For example, to name a few, there are McClelland’s Achievement Motivation Theory, Herzberg’s Motivation- Hygiene Theory, Job Characteristics Theory by Richard Hackman, Edward Lawler and Greg Oldham, and Hammer’s Operant Behaviour and Organizational Behaviour Modification Theory. However, within the scope of this report, only four of the most relevant theories are reviewed, including: Maslow’s Needs Hierarchy, Four-Drive Theory, Expectancy Theory of Motivation and Equity Theory of Motivation. A brief discussion of these theories constitutes the first part of this essay.

The second, and also the more important part of the essay, discusses the reasons why the study of different theories of motivation is important to managers. This importance is first illustrated through the significant influence that motivation has on employee behaviours, work performance and commitment. Then the benefit of studying the theories of motivation for a manager is briefly discussed through one example of the Expectancy theory. These two ideas help to explain why a manager cannot ignore a thorough understanding of different motivation theories if he/ she wishes to motivate employees so that these employees, in turn, can do good to the organization.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1
1. INTRODUCTION 3
2. DIFFERENT THEORIES OF MOTIVATION 3
2.1....