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Motivation and Employees

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Submitted By eekaili
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Topic 3 – Motivation
Is punishment or reward more powerful in motivating employees? Discuss this question, referring to at least three specific management theories and considering the historical context in which these ideas were developed or adopted.

Introduction
Most Managers today , often believe in the redemptive power of rewards to motivate their employees. ( Kohn 1993)
Motivation is define as the “psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behaviour.” ( Dictionary.com) Understanding of the motivation of people at work is the key to an effective remuneration system in the organization. (Bowey, 1986)

1.Theory X and Theory Y
Douglas McGregor ( Forsyth 2004 p.15)

2.Herzberg’s motivational hygiene
3.Need theory
Maslow hierarchy of needs is another theory that helps describe the basic situation in which all motivational effort must be directed. ( Forsyth , 2004 ,p17). In 1938, Henry Murray postulated 20 different needs that people attempt to satisfy. Abraham H. Maslow built on Murray’s work to form one of the most widely recognized theories of motivation(Wren, 2005). It was based on conclusions he drew from his observations of individuals who came to him for assistance in coping with difficulties in their personal lives during the Great Depression ( Latham 2007)

4.Expectancy theory
The expectancy theory of motivation is suggested by Victor Vroom. Unlike Maslow and Herzberg, Vroom does not concentrate on needs, but rather focuses on outcomes. http://www.12manage.com/methods_vroom_expectancy_theory.html - for the diagram
6.Equity theory
5.Goal Setting

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