Summary of some of the many theories that help describe different aspects of motivation (derived from references 2,3)
| Author | Theory | Brief description |
|---|---|---|
| Schein | Basic description of views of human motivation | |
| Mayo | Hawthorne Study | Original research that indicated that social factors were much more important in motivation than physical factors. Also showed that if you try to study a behaviour, that behaviour alters simply due to the study. |
| Maslow | Hierarchy of Needs | Motivation drivers vary from basic physiological to self fulfilment. As each level is satisfied the next becomes the main motivator. |
| McGregor | Theory X & Y | Theory X workers need supervision and driving. Theory Y workers are self driven. |
| Herzberg | Motivation-Hygiene | The motivation of a workforce depends on the balance between positive drivers (motivators) and negative influences (hygeine factors) |
| Likert | Description of management styles and organisational structure | |
| McCelland | Acheivement motivation | Description of motivation in terms of need for Achievement, Power and Affiliation. |
| Vroom | Expectancy | Examines the components of motivation |
| Robbins | Equity | Examines the effect of the perception equity of rewards or position on motivation. |
| Ouchi | Theory Z | The Japanese approach of a high degree of management/worker integration. |