Theories of Motivation Flashcards

Classical Theory of Motivation

• Money is viewed as the sole motivator for workers.
• Originated in the early 20th century by key figures like Frederick W. Taylor and Frank & Lillian Gilbreth.
• Emphasizes direct linkage between workers' pay and their output.
• Aims to improve productivity through specialization, determining optimal task performance methods, and specifying desired output levels.

Hawthorne Studies

• Conducted at Hawthorne Works Plant around 1925, focusing on human relations.
• Led by Elton Mayo, findings indicated that physical workplace conditions alone do not dictate productivity; instead, social and psychological factors play a significant role.
• The "Hawthorne effect" refers to workers increasing productivity due to heightened attention they received during the studies.

Historical Perspectives on Employee Motivation

• The evolution of motivation theories is highlighted by both the Hawthorne Studies and Classical Theory of Motivation.

Theories of Employee Motivation

• Includes multiple theories: Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory, McGregor's Theory X and Y, Theory Z, Equity Theory, and Expectancy Theory.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

• Arranges human needs into a pyramid: physiological, security, social, esteem, and self-actualization, indicating the order of fulfillment.

Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory

• Categorizes factors affecting job satisfaction into Hygiene (e.g., wages, working conditions) and Motivational (e.g., achievement, recognition, responsibility).

Hygiene Factors

• Essential for preventing dissatisfaction includes adequate wages, safe working conditions, fair policies, and job security.

Motivational Factors

• Contribute to job satisfaction and include recognition, achievement, involvement, responsibility, and opportunities for advancement.

McGregor's Theory X

• Asserts that workers generally dislike work and require coercion to perform tasks.

McGregor's Theory Y

• Posits that workers find work inherently fulfilling and will seek responsibility when provided with supportive conditions.

McGregor's Theory Z

• Emphasizes employee participation in decision-making processes and incorporates aspects of Japanese management practices.

Japanese Management Approach

• Focuses on building trust and fostering intimacy within the workplace.

Variations on Theory Z

• Adoption of self-directed work teams, often referred to as quality circles.

Quality Circles

• Small teams (5-8 members) involved in discussions to reduce waste, solve problems, enhance quality, communication, and overall job satisfaction.

Equity Theory

• Suggests that individuals’ contributions to an organization are influenced by perceptions of fairness in reward distribution.

Expectancy Theory

• Proposes that a worker’s motivation to contribute is contingent upon the perceived likelihood of receiving an award for their efforts.

Test your knowledge on the Classical Theory of Motivation with these flashcards. Explore key concepts, historical figures like Frederick W. Taylor, and the idea of linking pay to output. Perfect for those studying psychology or management theories.