Motivation Definition
Motivation can be defined as the process that accounts for an individual's intensity, direction, and persistence of effort toward attaining a goal.11 Intensity is concerned with how hard a person tries. The effort has to be channelled in a direction that benefits the organization. Persistence is a measure of how long people can maintain their effort.
There are two major categories of motivation theories (1) Content theories and (2) Process theories. Content theories focus on 'what' are the factors that motivate individuals. Individuals across the world have the desire to fulfil their needs. This desire leads them to take action, which results in outcomes. This outcome brings them rewards that are valued. Process theories elaborate the process of how behaviour is initiated, sustained, and if need be, changed.
Some well-known content theories of motivation are: 1. Maslow's hierarchy of needs 2. Herzberg's two-factor theory 3. McClelland's learned needs model
Some of the most well-known process theories are: 1. Adam's equity theory 2. Vroom's expectancy theory
3. Locke and Latham's goal-setting theory
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Maslow's hierarchy of needs is one the most frequently taught and commonly remembered theories in business management.21 Abraham Maslow was an American psychologist and humanist. Maslow revolutionized the work ethic of his day. Instead of work being about duty and responsibility, he talked about work helping an individual reach the goal of human existence: self-actualization.
His article 'A Theory of Motivation' first appeared in 1943 in the Psychological Review journal. Maslow's theory proposed that human needs are organized in five levels, arranged in a hierarchy of importance. When one need is satisfied, another emerges and demands satisfaction. Each person's needs depend on what he or she already has. Only needs not yet satisfied can influence