Content Theory of Motivation and Variables Influencing Employee Motivation

Running head: BUSINESS RESEARCH ANALYSIS
BUSINESS RESEARCH ANALYSIS
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1BUSINESS RESEARCH ANALYSIS
Introduction
The purpose of this paper will be to discuss about the content theory of motivation,
which includes theories like Maslow’s theory, Alderfer’s theory, Herzberg’s theory,
McClelland’s theory and others. Apart from these, the selected variables that influences
employee motivation will also be discussed along with the reasons of selecting them.
Content Theory
The content theory among the motivation theory deal with the absence of the factors
related with motivation and creates anxiousness that might lead to a negative behavioural
performance among the employees of an organization. This theory deals with the satisfaction
about the things which the people in the society or the market place believe they need to
possess, but are unable to get them. The theories under this are described as follows (Stemler,
2015):
Maslow’s Theory
This theory is treated as the most widely used theory, which states about the hierarchy
of needs, which includes five levels. They are physiological, safety, social, esteem and self-
actualisation needs. The first three are the deficiency needs and the last two are growth needs.
This theory states that all the people around the world possess this level of needs, which are
required to motivate the employees, which will be done by themselves only (Kaur, 2013).
Alderfer’s Theory
This theory is known as ERG Theory, who decreased the hierarchy levels and
suggested that there are three needs in the form of Existence needs, Relatedness needs and
Growth needs. This theory or approach is regarded as the most realistic approach to motivate