Theories of Motivation

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Developed by Abraham Maslow in 1943, the Hierarchy of Needs states individuals are motivated to satisfy their basic needs prior to moving on to other needs.  The most basic of one’s needs being physiological (water, air, food, and sleep) followed by security needs (safety, security, steady job, shelter), social needs (friendships, romantic engagements, families, feeling loved), esteem (personal worth, social recognition), and the highest and last filled need being self-actualization (concerned for personal growth and want to achieve full potential) (Cherry, n.d.). 

For further information, visit http://psychology.about.com/od/theoriesofpersonality/a/hierarchyneeds.htm.

Mayo’s Hawthorne Studies

Elton Mayo conducted the Hawthorne Studies from 1927-1932 at Western Electric Hawthorne Works in Cicero, Illinois which examined the impact of working conditions on employee productivity.  The study concluded employees are more productive if they know they are being watched/studied.  An increase in the productivity of workers was seen when employees were singled out, made to feel important and involved (Envision, 2009). 

For further information, visit http://www.envisionsoftware.com/articles/Hawthorne_Effect.html.

Attribution Theory

Developed by Bernard Weiner, the Attribution theory is about achievement.  This theory assumes individuals attempt to determine why people do what they do.  Weiner believed the most important factors affecting attributions are ability, effort, task difficulty and luck (Learning Theories Knowledgebase, 2011).  Attribution theory is closely linked to motivation.  It is used at times to explain the difference in motivation between high and low achievers.  According to this theory, individuals who are high achievers will approach tasks instead of avoiding tasks associated with succeeding.  High achieving individuals believe success is associated with high ability and effort and due to their confidence they approach these tasks.  Low achieving individuals avoid tasks that are success related due to their lack of confidence in the ability or belief success is related to luck or “who you know” as well as other factors beyond their control (Kearsley, 2011).

For further information, visit http://www.learning-theories.com/weiners-attribution-theory.html.