THEORIES OF MOTIVATION There are several theories on motivation the significant among them are : 1. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs 2. Herzberg’s two factors theory 3. x & y theory 4. carrot and stick theory

Maslow’s theory of hierarchy needs According to Maslow , human needs from a hierarchy need of self-actulization . He says when one set of needs are satisfaction they no longer works as motivation as a man seeks to satisfy the next higher level needs.

Herzberg’s two-factor theory According to him the first group of needs company policy and administration , supervision , working condition , interpersonal relations , salary , job security and personal life. Herzberg called these factors as dissatisfiers and not motivators.

THEORY OF X AND Y In his 1960 book the human side of enterprise, Doglos Mcgregor proposed two theories y which to view employee motivation. He avoided descriptive labels and simply called the theories theory x and y. Both of these theories begin with the premise that managements role is to assemble the factors of production, including people, for the economic benefit of the firm. Beyond this point, the two theories of management diverge.

THEORY X ASSUMES THAT THE AVERAGE PERSON Dislikes work and attempts to avoid it. Has no ambition, wants no responsibility and would rather follow than lead. Is self centered and therefore does not care about organizational goals. Is gullible and not particularly intelligent.

THEORY Y The higher level needs of esteem and self actualization are continuing needs in that they are never completely satisfied. As such, it is there higher level needs through which employees can best be motivated.

THEORY Y MAKES THE FOLLOWING ASSUMPTIONS Work can be as natural as play and rest. People will be self-directed to meet their work objectives if they are committed to them. People will be committed to their objectives if rewards are in place that address higher needs such as self fulfillment. Under these conditions, people will seek responsibility. Most of people can handle responsibility because creativity and ingenuity are common in the population.

Carrot and stick The carrot and stick approach is an idiom that refers to a policy of offering a combination of reward and punishment to include behavior . It is named in reference to a cart driver dangling a carrot in front of a mule would move towards the carrot because it wants the reward of food, while also moving away from the stick behind it, since it does not want the punishment of pain, thus drawing the cart.

Carrot stands for tax units or other benefits, the sticks, the stick can stand for the use of violence and threats by government. This refers to the process of weighing and or deciding whether a desired behavior would be better included via the enticement of benefits or the threats of punishments.