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Employee Motivation Theory - Explained

What is Employee Motivation Theory?

Written by Jason Gordon

Updated at April 8th, 2022

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Table of Contents

What is Employee Motivation?What are Needs-Based Theories of Motivation?What are Process-Based Theories of Motivation?Issues in Motivation

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. 

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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)
employee motivation

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