University Essay: Content and Process Motivation Theories

This essay examines two key motivational theories: Equity Theory (a process theory) and Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (a content theory). The paper begins by contrasting and comparing these theories, highlighting their similarities (focus on employee motivation and behavior) and differences (Equity Theory emphasizes fairness, while Maslow focuses on fulfilling needs). The essay then explores how managers can utilize these theories to influence employee behavior, providing real-world examples. It concludes by emphasizing the importance of both content and process theories for effective management and achieving organizational goals. The analysis shows how these theories influence employee engagement and contribute to a positive work environment, promoting fairness and fulfilling employee needs to boost productivity.

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Content and process theory
In this paper, the discussion will be made on the two theories that will be content and process
theories of motivation. The two theories that will be elaborated in the paper are: the process
theory which is Equity theory and the next is the content theory which will be described in
relation to the Maslow hierarchy of needs theory. Equity theory emphasizes on determining
whether the resources are fair in relation to the partners. The equity is measured by comparing
the ration of contributions and benefits offered to the individuals. But on the other hand,
Maslow hierarchy of needs is also the motivational theory that helps to satisfy the basic
requirements of the employees (Miner, 2015). In the first phase of the paper, the theories will
be contrasted and compared with each other. In the second phase, the focus will be given on
the discussion will be on the motivational theories that are used by the managers to influence
the behavior of the employees. The last part will relate with the concluding part that will
summarize the overall points.
The similarities that can be analyzed in relation to Maslow hierarchy of needs and Equity theory
are many such as both the theories focus on the motivation level of the employees and also
how it impacts the behavior of the individuals. In relation to both the theories, the basic needs
of the individuals are considered that helps to drive the individuals in a certain manner. The
other similarities in context to both the theories are a hierarchical framework and also the
primitive requirements at the bottom that are more refined in relation to the needs at the top.
These both theories have one motive related to motivating the employees towards the
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assigned work. In this theory, the emphasis is given on influencing the positive attitude towards
the work (Geller, 2017).
It can be said that there are also various differences that lie between the Maslow hierarchy of
needs and the Equity theory of motivation. In Maslow hierarchy of needs, there are five stages
of motivation such as physiological needs that emphasizes on the basic needs such as food and
clothing. The next stage is safety needs that focus on security and stability. The third stage if
love and belongingness needs that considers trust and friendship. Esteem needs also depend on
the status and prestige given to the employees. The last stage is self-actualization needs in
which personal growth is taken into consideration. On the other hand, Equity theory
emphasizes on the motivation level that is maintained of the employees if they are treated
equally in the workplace. The Maslow of the hierarchy of needs emphasizes on satisfying the
basic needs of the employees but Equity theory is related to the treatment that is given by the
higher authorities to its employees in the workplace (Herzberg, 2017). The difference is that in
Maslow hierarchy of needs the basic requirements are considered of the employees whereas
Equity theory is the equal and fair treatment offered to the employees to boost the motivation.
It is not related to the need of the employees but it emphasizes on offering equal rights to the
employees in the workplace. It can be said that these both theories are important for the
management to motivate the employees towards the allocated task (Pepper & Gore, 2015).
It can be stated that these theories can be sued by the managers to influence the behavior of
the employees towards the work. Process theory of motivation is the equity theory that
influences the behavior of the employees. This theory emphasizes on the idea the very
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employees should be motivated by fairness. For example diversity inclusion is the policy
considered by the company to offer equal rights and to maintain fairness among the
employees. They believe that if fairness is given to the employees then it helps to enhance the
positivity environment or culture in the workplace. It influences the behavior of the employees
and if there is equity in the workplace then employees will support each other as they will
create a positive attitude towards each other (Van den Broeck, Ferris, Chang & Rosen, 2016).
On the other hand, the Maslow hierarchy of needs is also taken into by the managers to satisfy
the basic needs of the employees in the workplace. If the basic needs of the employees are
satisfied then it helps them to remain in the workplace for a long time and also enhance the
feeling of belongingness in relation to the overall activities assigned by the higher authorities.
This theory is considered by the management as it helps to consider the basic needs that should
be fulfilled. It helps to enhance the employee engagement level towards the work and also
maintain the work coordination (Bridgman, Cummings & Ballard, 2017).
For example: Tesco uses Maslow hierarchy of needs theory to motivate its employees towards
the allocated work. By considering this theory it could be easy for the management to enhance
positivity in the workplace. This theory assists the managers to consider the right decisions
which are beneficial for the employees as well as for the management. But it sometimes
creates conflict among the employees in relation to the expectation level of the employees.
When companies try to satisfy the needs of the employees then the expectation level of the
employees enhance in context to management (Tesco, 2019).
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It can be concluded that motivation is one of the important factors that should be maintained
by the higher authorities as it helps to attain a positive outcome. It is analyzed that Maslow
hierarchy of needs and equity theory maintain the motivation level of the employees. The
equity theory offers equal treatment in the workplace whereas Maslow hierarchy of the needs
satisfies the need of the employees. Therefore, it can be stated that the process and content
theory is important for the management to control and manage the routine activities of the
company. These both theories help to attain goals and objectives in the competitive market.
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References
Bridgman, T., Cummings, S., & Ballard, J. A. (2017). Triangulating Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs:
The Construction of Management Studies' Famous Pyramid. In Academy of Management
Proceedings (Vol. 2017, No. 1, p. 14177). Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510: Academy of
Management.
Geller, E. S. (2017). COMMENTARY: Is Organizational Behavior Management Enough? How
Language and Person-States Could Make a Difference. Journal of Organizational Behavior
Management, 37(3-4), 339-346.
Miner, J. B. (2015). Organizational behavior 1: Essential theories of motivation and leadership.
Routledge.
Pepper, A., & Gore, J. (2015). Behavioral agency theory: New foundations for theorizing about
executive compensation. Journal of management, 41(4), 1045-1068.
Van den Broeck, A., Ferris, D. L., Chang, C. H., & Rosen, C. C. (2016). A review of self-
determination theory’s basic psychological needs at work. Journal of Management, 42(5),
1195-1229.
Tesco. (2019).Motivational practice.[Online].Accessed on :
https://is.muni.cz/el/1451/podzim2013/np2330/tesco_15_full.pdf.
Herzberg, F. (2017). Motivation to work. Routledge.
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