Understanding Motivation Theories: Maslow, McClelland, Alderfer & Goal Setting

Posted on Nov 26, 2024 in Psychology and Sociology

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow’s motivation theory features a hierarchy of human needs, arguing that as basic needs are met, higher needs and desires develop. The higher needs occupy our attention only when the lower needs of the pyramid are satisfied. There are five levels:

  1. Physiological needs
  2. Safety
  3. Affiliation or Affection
  4. Recognition
  5. Self-actualization

Key features of Maslow’s theory:

  • Only unmet needs influence behavior.
  • Physiological needs are innate; other needs arise over time.
  • Higher needs emerge as basic needs are met.
  • Not all individuals experience self-actualization.
  • Basic needs have a shorter motivational cycle than higher needs.

McClelland’s Needs Theory

McClelland’s theory identifies three basic needs:

  • Need for Achievement: The effort to excel and achieve in relation to standards.
  • Need for Power: The desire to influence and control others.
  • Need for Affiliation: The desire for friendly and close interpersonal relationships.

Motivational intensity is measured by effort.

Definition of Psychology

Psychology: The science studying human behavior and mental processes.

Alderfer’s ERG Theory

Alderfer’s ERG theory revises Maslow’s theory, grouping needs into three categories:

  • Existence
  • Relatedness
  • Growth

Key differences from Maslow:

  • Needs can be met non-serially.
  • If a higher-order need isn’t met, individuals may regress to lower-order needs.

Motivation Defined

Motivation is the desire to exert high levels of effort toward organizational goals, driven by the ability of that effort to satisfy individual needs. Key elements include effort, organizational goals, and needs.

Goal-Setting Theory

Goal-setting theory involves three elements:

  • Commitment
  • Self-efficacy
  • Culture (assuming subordinate independence)

Attitude and Behavior

Attitude significantly predicts human behavior. It has three components:

  • Affective: Emotional response to an object.
  • Cognitive: Perceptual response and thoughts about an object.
  • Behavioral: Overt actions toward an object.

Conflict and Negotiation

Conflict

Conflict is the process arising when one party perceives another as negatively affecting their interests. Conflicts can be viewed negatively or as positive and necessary.

Five stages of conflict:

  1. Opposition or incompatibility
  2. Knowledge and customization
  3. Interactions
  4. Behavior
  5. Result

Negotiation

Negotiation is a process where two or more parties exchange goods or services to reach an agreement.

Five stages of negotiation:

  1. Preparation and planning
  2. Definition of ground rules
  3. Clarification and justification
  4. Bargaining
  5. Implementation and closure

Negotiation rules: Establish time limits, topics, and procedures for impasses.

Communication Approaches

Classic Approach

  • The recipient is passive.
  • Communication is linear and unidirectional.
  • The receiver’s reaction depends on the sender’s initial intent.

Interactional Approach

  • Based on constructive epistemology.
  • The receiver is active.
  • Considers systems theory and cybernetics.
  • Demonstrates circular causality.

Two levels of communication:

  1. Content: Information being delivered.
  2. Relationship: The effect of the communication on the relationship.

Anxiety and Stress

Anxiety

Anxiety, from the Latin “angh” (narrowness, difficulty, constriction), occurs when the brain releases hormones affecting the limbic system. It can cause central nervous breakdowns, hysteria, frustration, nervousness, accelerated heartbeat, and sanguinity.

Stress

Workplace pressure can lead to stress and overload. Stress is a human response to the demands of challenging situations.