HI6005: Evaluating Content Theories of Motivation in Global Management

This report provides an overview of motivation content theories within the context of global management and organizations. It begins by differentiating between content and process theories of motivation, highlighting Equity Theory and Expectancy Theory as examples of process theories under criticism that have been reduced to content theories. The report then delves into Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, outlining its hierarchical levels and the criticisms leveled against it, such as its failure to account for every individual need and the lack of a specific order in need progression. Furthermore, Hertzberg's Two-Factor Theory is examined, including its hygiene and motivational factors, along with critiques regarding the over-simplification of the relationship between dissatisfaction and motivation. McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y are also discussed, contrasting the traditional approach to human behavior with a perspective that views work as natural and enjoyable. Finally, the report touches on behavioral science research and its limitations, emphasizing the importance of scrutinizing findings due to variations in religious, social, and cultural backgrounds. The report concludes by referencing various sources used in its analysis.

Management and
Organizations in a
Global Environment
Motivation: Content Theories

Introduction
• Motivation is the reason for the willingness,
actions and goals of the people.
• Motivation is a set of force which acts behind the
motives.
• This assignment is focused on different content
theories and the criticism levelled against it.

Difference between Content Theory
and Process Theory of Motivation
• The main difference
behind a content theory
and a process theory is
that a content theory
outlines the reasons
behind the motivation of a
person and while the
process theory
emphasizes the impact of
the behavioral patterns on
the fulfillment of the
expectations of a person.

Examples of Process Theories
Under Criticism
The following process theories, under criticism,
have been reduced to content theories.
• Equity Theory
• Expectancy Theory

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
• Following are the
hierarchical levels of
Maslow’s Hierarchy of
Needs-
• Physiological needs
• Safety needs
• Love and Belonging
needs,
• Esteem needs
• Self- actualization
needs (Maslow, 2013)

Criticism of Maslow’s Hierarchy
of Needs
• Does not take into account every need which
motivate an individual.
• Needs does not move in a specific order.
• There is a lack of direct cause and effect
relationship between the behavior and need.

Hertzberg’s Two Factor Theory
Hertzberg’s two factor
theory of motivation
provides that there are
some job factor which leads
to satisfaction while some
job factors leads to the
prevention of
dissatisfaction.
These factors are-
• Hygiene factors
• Motivational factors
(Hertzberg, 2017).

Criticism of Hertzberg’s Two
Factor Theory
• Factors leading to satisfaction and dissatisfaction
are different from each other.
• Theory is the over- simplification of the actual
relationship between dissatisfaction and
motivation.

McGregor’s Theory of Work
Motivation
• Douglas McGregor introduced Theory X and
Theory Y on the basis of distinct views of human
beings.
• Theory X is the traditional approach to human
behavior.
• Theory Y is essential for people whose social,
esteem and self- actualization needs are more
essential (Schermerhorn, 2010).

McGregor’s Theory of Work
Motivation
• Theory X assumes that average human being
dislikes work and finds reasons for avoiding it.
• Theory Y assumes that work is disliked by an
average human being and therefore he views
work as natural or enjoyable.

Behavioral Science Research
and Criticism
• Behavioral science research should be scrutinized
as there is no specific way in which the humans
behave.
• The findings of behavioral sciences are not
universally applicable to all the enterprises due to
the differences in religious, social and cultural
backgrounds (Talathi, 2018).

References
• Hertzberg, F. 2017. Motivation to Work. Routledge.
• Maslow, A.H. 2013. A Theory of Human Motivation.
Simon and Schuster.
• Schermerhorn,J. R. 2010. Management. John Wiley
& Sons.
• Talathi, R. 2018. Behavioural Sciences Approach to
Management, [Online]. Available at:
http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/accounting/man
agement-accounting/behavioural-sciences-approa
ch-to-management/69700
[Accessed on: 11 December 2018].