What is Employee Motivation?

Motivation is any tangible or intangible force that causes another person to want or feel the need to pursue an activity. A motivated individual is inspired to pursue a course of action. Three commonly recognized elements of motivation include:

• Energy
• Direction
• Persistence

Collectively motivation, ability, and environment are the major influences over employee performance. Motivation is broken down into Needs-Based Theories and Process-Based Theories. 

What are Needs-Based Theories of Motivation?

Needs-based theories concern how individuals are motivated to take actions that meet their internal needs. Some of the dominant needs-based theories are:

• Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
• ERG Theory
• McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y
• Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory
• McClelland's Needs Theory

What are Process-Based Theories of Motivation?

Process-based theories focus on the mental processes of individuals to understand their motivations.

• Goal-Setting Theory
• Reinforcement Theory
• Equity Theory
• Expectancy Theory

Issues in Motivation

Despite the advances in motivation study, there are numerous difficulties associated with applying theories based on numerous barriers:

• Geographical borders
• Motivating Unique Groups
• Diverse Workforces (Professionals, Contingent Workers, Low-Skilled Minimum Wage Employees)