Taking the Beers: Motivation Theories

Overview

• Focus on motivational theories, specifically Neo-Human Relations School and Frederik Hertzberg
• Comparison of Hertzberg's theory with other motivational thinkers like Taylor, Mayo, and Maslow

Key Motivational Theories

Taylor's Theory

• Belief in money as the primary motivator
• Increases productivity through financial incentives

Mayo's Theory

• Social factors and team working as motivators

Maslow's Theory

• Hierarchy of needs
• Different motivators become important at different stages

Hertzberg's Two-Factor Theory

• Differentiates between Hygiene Factors and Motivators

Hygiene Factors

• Do not motivate, but can demotivate if absent
• Include pay, work environment, relationships with colleagues, and social context
• Pay perceived as a factor that prevents dissatisfaction but doesn’t motivate

Motivators

• Stimulate greater productivity and work
• Include opportunities for promotion, self-improvement, and job design

Job Design

• Job Enlargement: Offering a greater variety of tasks
• Job Enrichment: Engaging in more challenging, complex tasks
• Empowerment: Giving employees decision-making power

Critiques and Controversies

• Hertzberg's theory challenges many aspects of Taylor, Mayo, and Maslow
• Lacks empirical evidence and large-scale testing
• Stimulates organizational thinking on productive workforce elements

Conclusion

• Hertzberg’s theory offers a distinct approach by clearly delineating factors that motivate and those that don’t
• Provides a foundation to explore whether organizations focus on the right employee aspects for productivity improvement

Additional Resources

• Links to other motivational videos and theories on Taylor, Maslow, Mayo
• Encouragement for continued study and revision