Abstract
In this research, I have pointed out that Hierarchy of Needs is the best approach to explain motivation because it involves the overall wants and needs of an individual which comes in different levels. First, we need to satisfy our basic needs in order to survive. When these are met, our needs increases and we seek to satisfy the next level and then move on to the next until we achieve personal growth and self-fulfillment. This theory focuses on the growth process of an individual. A friend of mine was once a struggling systems analyst who needs to work in order to satisfy his basic needs which is to put more food on the table. When he was promoted to a supervisory position, it gave him the opportunity to buy his own house. Though life was comfortable, he was lonely and decided to get married. Raising his own family was quite a challenge so this motivates him to work harder to advance in the corporate ladder of success. A few years later, his hard work paid off, reaping rewards and recognition. He is now a CEO in one of the most prestigious companies in the county. I therefore conclude that Maslow’s theory is the best approach to motivation because it is based on the evolution of a person’s needs and wants which is relatively human in nature.
Keywords: Hierarchy of Needs, motivation
Motivation is the process of stimulating people to achieve goals. It is a behavior why a person does something to accomplish his needs or desires. There are seven approaches to explain motivation:
Instinctual Approach focus on motivation by instincts or biologically pre-determined behavior which people and animals are born with However, this theory was disregarded because it does not directly explain behavior.
Drive-Reduction Approach implies a person’s drive to fulfill a need to reduce tensions caused by unmet needs. The relationship between needs and the fulfillment of needs is being recognized. In this theory, motivation does not entirely rely on physiological needs.
Arousal Approach is a drive to achieve and maintain an optimal level of consciousness during performance. However, the levels of arousal in this theory vary among individuals and their performance.
Incentive Approach is the drive to do things due to external rewards like money or recognition. This theory however does not determine how incentives can direct behavior.
Cognitive Approach is a drive that focuses more on a person’s
perception and his attitude towards life and how he thinks and feels.
This theory is a modern approach and is widely accepted.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is the drive to fulfill the
individual’s five levels of needs such as, physiology, safety, love and
belongingness, self-esteem and self-actualization. This theory is the best
explanation of motivation and is the most popular among approaches.
Frederick Herzberg Two-Factor Theory Approach implies that
an individual is influenced by two factors which is Satisfaction and
Dissatisfaction. However, eliminating or increasing dissatisfying factors in
this theory does not guarantee satisfaction.
Learning about the different approaches and their explanations of
motivation will help us understand how some factors direct and energize our behavior.
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References:
Sri, Sumana, (June 23, 2010). Approaches to Motivation. 101 Psychology. Retrieved from http://www.suite101.com
