Impact of Motivation Theories on Job Design and Work Environment

This essay delves into the critical role of human resource management (HRM) in achieving organizational goals through employee motivation and effective job design. It examines several key motivation theories, including Herzberg's two-factor theory, Maslow's hierarchy of needs, and McClelland's need theory, analyzing their influence on the affective and behavioral processes of workers. The essay further explores the importance of creating a positive work environment through teamwork, appreciation, training, effective communication, and leadership. It emphasizes the role of HR in designing jobs that motivate employees by focusing on task identification, providing job-related feedback, and ensuring ethical work practices. The ultimate goal is to enhance employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall organizational success.

Running head: human resource management
Human Resource Management

Human resource management
Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................1
Theories of Motivation and also the influence on the Affective and Behavioral process of the
workers............................................................................................................................................1
Herzberg theory of motivation.....................................................................................................2
Maslow hierarchy of needs..........................................................................................................2
McClelland Need theory..............................................................................................................4
Positive work environment and designing of jobs by the HR to motivate employees....................4
Job characteristics and the overall physiological state in context to the work results.....................6
The relation between Maslow components and Job characteristics................................................7
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................8
References......................................................................................................................................10
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Introduction
It has been evaluated that strategic human resource management has a great role. Human
resource management is considered as an important part of the company. Without human
resource management, it cannot be possible for the company to accomplish overall goals and
objectives. It has been seen that the center of strategic management is related to the engagement
and motivation of the employees (Anitha, 2014).
It is important for the company to evaluate the overall practices which can help the
company to achieve success. It is essential for the company to focus on the practices that can be
taken into consideration to enhance the emotional, cognitive and behavioral qualities so that
overall motivation level can be increased. The workers should be motivated so that their skill can
be enhanced and they can give their best towards the activities. When the employees are
motivated it has been evaluated that their motivation level increases and it lead to the growth of
the company (Pfeffer & Veiga, 1999).
In this paper, the motivational theories will be discussed that influences the overall
affective and behavioral method of the workers that create effective workplace environment and
also it is important to focus on job designing practices that are considered by the HR and it
motivates the workers. Therefore it can be evaluated that the employees who are conducting their
routine activities should be motivated so that goals and objectives of the company can be
attained.
It has been seen that there are various motivational theories that help to enhance the
motivational level of the employees. In this paper, the discussion will be made on the overall
theories of motivation that will help to enhance the productivity and will also influence the
affective and behavioral processes of the workers.
Theories of Motivation and also the influence on the Affective and
Behavioral process of the workers
Motivation helps to bring out best in an individual. It has been seen that motivation is one
of the factors that helps to enhance the skill of the employees and also it is the reason behind the
act and desire of the individual. There are various theories related to motivation that helps to
maximize the overall confidence level and also the skills are enhanced in an effective manner
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(Hauser, 2014). Motivation theories are Herzberg motivation theory, McClelland Need theory
and Maslow hierarchy of needs.
The affective process of the workers consists of various responses and awareness and
also it is concerned with the overall knowledge and beliefs. If the focus is given on the
behavioral process which is related to the physiological behavior, it has been seen that the major
impact of affective and behavioral process depend on the overall theories of motivation but the
major theories will be discussed.
Herzberg theory of motivation
This theory is also considered as a two-factor theory. It has been seen that this theory
helps to enhance the motivation level of the employees. By focusing on this theory it has been
seen that there are two factors which give influence. The first is related to the motivator factor
and the other is related to the hygiene factor (Marchington et al.,2016). The factor of motivator
helps to enhance the job satisfaction and hygiene factor focuses on causing dissatisfaction.
Herzberg stated that the job satisfiers deal with various aspects which are involved in conducting
the activities and job dissatisfies conduct the activities with various factors which is defined in
the context of the job. Hygiene factor is related to the salary and working conditions in the
workplace. The motivating factor can help to enhance the satisfaction in the job context and also
motivate the individuals for growth in the personal need (Alshmemri, Shahwan-Akl, and Maude,
2017).
The five factors of job satisfaction in context to the motivating factors are: Achievement,
recognition, responsibility, and advancement. The factors which are related to the hygiene
factors are supervision, salary, the policy of the company and also working conditions. It can be
evaluated that both the factors motivator and hygiene helps to influence the overall employee's
motivation and also impact the behavior. This can give impact to the overall activities which are
done by the individual. If motivator and hygiene factor is not present then it can lead to
dissatisfaction of the employees (Lazaroiu, 2015).
Maslow hierarchy of needs
This is one of the theories that have a strong influence on the overall affective and
behavioral process of the workers. The requirement can be covered by focusing on the basic
needs of the individual life which is related to food, clothing, and water. This is the first stage of
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theory which is named by physiological needs. If these basic qualities are not offered to an
individual then it can lead to satisfaction and also reduce the level of motivation (Lee and Hanna,
2015).
Next is related to the safety and security need in which it has been seen that it focuses on
securing the employees. This consists of personal needs, financial safety, and health and
wellbeing safety. Next stage is related to the belonging need in which the focus is on the
integration of the social groups and also by enhancing the relationships. Esteem need is also the
motivational need in which the employees want to be respected and valued. If the value is given
to the employees then it can be easy to accomplish the overall goals and objectives effectively.
The last stage is related to the self-actualization need in which it has been seen that it focuses on
the desires of an individual and also enhances the potential to give their best towards the overall
activities. If the employees are satisfied and their needs are also fulfilled then behavior towards
the activities will be changed and it can lead to success (Healy, 2016).
(Source : Mcleod, 2018).
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McClelland Need theory
This theory is built on the work of Maslow. This theory emphasizes on enhancing the
existing needs rather than creating the developing needs. This is one of the dominant motivators
which focus on the culture and life experiences. In this theory, there are three motivators related
to achievement, affiliation, and power. The achievement is related to the requirement to
accomplish and showcase the competence. It has a connection with a range of acts. It has been
seen that it is influenced by the internal drivers for acts and also the pressure which is considered
by the others. It has been seen that low need for achievement can reduce the failure.
Affiliation is related to a need for love and belonging. In this, the individuals have a
good relationship and in this, there are leaders and also who are involved in interpersonal
relations. Power is related to a need to manage the work of our own and also of the others. Power
motivation is related to a need to control the work of other and also of our own. These
individuals are authority motivated and it can bring an increase in the overall personal status and
prestige (Armstrong and Taylor, 2014).
Positive work environment and designing of jobs by the HR to
motivate employees
It is important to create a positive environment so that goals and objectives can be
accomplished and employees can also complete their assigned task with proper efficiency. There
are many factors related to the positive work environment in the workplace. The characteristics
or the factors are
Teamwork
It has been evaluated that if the employees are conducting the activities in a proper team
then it can be simple to create positive work environment. Teamwork in the workplace can help
to conduct the activities in a right manner and also with proper efficiency. When there is proper
teamwork in the workplace then the employees feel good and supported and know their roles and
responsibilities towards the activities of the company.
Appreciating the employees
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It is important to give appreciation to the employees. If appreciation is given to the
employees then it can boost the morale and also impact can be seen on the overall enhancement
in the productivity level. By giving appreciation to the employees it can be easy to create a
positive environment in the workplace (Bratton and Gold, 2017).
Giving training
To create a positive environment in the workplace it is essential to give training to the
employees so that they can be confident towards the activities assigned to them (Smith, 2016).
Training also helps to utilize the time in an effective manner and also give guidance to the
employees to focus on the right direction. By training the employees it can be easy for the
employees to their best towards the assigned activities and also boost the morale of the
employees (Ford, 2014).
Flow of communication
It is essential for the company to focus on the proper flow of communication so that it
can be simple for the employees to clear their queries. When employees are comfortable and can
share their views and opinion with other then it can lead to a positive environment in the
workplace. The employees should be given chance to share their views and ideas so that it can
be easy for them to focus towards the overall activities of the company.
Effective leadership
Leadership plays an essential role in creating a positive environment in the workplace. It
has been seen that when leaders are supportive and give proper guidance then it can lead to
enhancement of the overall satisfaction level of the employees (Bolden, 2016). To support and
lead the employees or the team is the major responsibility that should be followed by the leader
so that employees or the team can give their best and conduct the activities with dedication.
Creating positive values in the workplace
It is essential to enhance or promote the values. It is important for the leaders to tell the
mission statement so that the employees can remain focused and it can lead to overall
enhancement in the activities. It is essential for the organization to show dedication towards the
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practices of the business so that level of commitment can be enhanced and also the employees
can feel motivated and satisfied. If there are positive values in the workplace then it can give
effect on the employees in a positive manner and will induce them to work effectively towards
the assigned activities (Jackson, Schuler and Jiang, 2014).
Therefore, it has been analyzed that it is essential for the employees to be motivated so
that the company or the organization can easily accomplish goals and objectives. It is the
responsibility of the HR to design the jobs in such a manner that can lead to enhancement of the
overall motivation level of the employees. To motivate employees there are following
components that should be considered like
Identification of the task
It is related to a piece of work that is involved in completing the activities. When the
employees focus on the task it has been seen that they take the responsibility and are motivated
to complete it. If the activities are conducted in an unethical manner then it can reduce the
motivation level of the employees. So, when employees evaluate that significance is given to
activities the employees also feel motivated (Mone and London, 2014).
Feedback related to Job
The top management or the management should give feedback to the employees so that
they can be motivated. The feedback should be given both on positive as well as a negative
aspect by analyzing the overall performance.
These are considered as a major area on which the HR should give focus so that job
designing can be done in a proper manner. Job design will consider all the characteristics that
will enhance the motivation of the workers and also improvise the performance (Buckingham
and Goodall, 2015).
Job characteristics and the overall physiological state in context to
the work results
If the focus is given on the model of Job characteristics by Hackman and Oldham, then it
has been evaluated is focuses on the idea which is related to the task. In this, it states that task is
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itself the solution behind the overall motivation level. If the job is not interested then it can lead
to a reduction in the motivation level of the employees. The level of motivation can be enhanced
if the employees are given challenging jobs. The challenge in relation to the job can be enhanced
if the focus is given to job rotation and job enrichment (Gallup Consulting, 2010).
There are five job characteristics which are related to task identity, skill variety,
autonomy, task significance and also feedback. These factors influence the work results that are
related to absenteeism, job satisfaction, motivation towards work and also good performance.
The theory which is given by Hackman and Oldham states that there is a relation related
to motivating the employees by focusing on the three psychological states like the nature of the
work. The nature of the work offers the experience. This states that the employee contribution
should be enough so that effectiveness can be enhanced. It is important to focus on this as it is
beneficial in achieving the motivation (Wegman et al., 2018).
This can be stated from various aspects of skill variety in which it has been seen that the
skills are utilized in a proper manner. Next is related to the task identity that assists in analyzing
the work so that positive results can be derived. Task significance is also the factor to evaluate
the activities performed by an individual (Jiang et al., 2012). Knowledge of the outcome is taken
from the feedback. This factor makes employees aware of the skills that should be improved by
the employees. Last is related to the responsibility in which it has been seen that it is derived
from the independence and also help to carry the schedule in a proper manner (Brewster et al.,
2016).
Therefore, it can be stated that the work should be given to an individual who focuses on
the overall significance. The activities are also delegated so that creation of the responsibility and
autonomy can take place. The individual should be linked to the results so that feedback can be
given for acquiring new things.
The relation between Maslow components and Job characteristics
Hackman and Oldham offered components which are specified by the Maslow and the
job characteristic plays a great role in involving and enhancing the motivation level of the
employees. The human motivation is explained by focusing on the components offered by
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Maslow. In the Theory related to Maslow, it has been seen that there are various components of
physiological, safety, belongings and self-actualization needs. If the focus is given to the job
characteristic it has been seen that it consist of task identity, skill, variety, autonomy, task
significance and also the feedback. This helps in conducting the work that influences the overall
results related to absenteeism, satisfaction related to job, motivation, and good performance.
Also, there is a safety need which focuses on the job characteristics. This need can be
satisfied if the employees earn more money and also it is related to the importance of the task.
Next is related with the esteem needs in which recognition and rewards are offered to the
employees. This is concerned with the skill variety and also with the feedback of job
characteristics (Aslam et al., 2015). It has been seen when the top managers or the top
management give motivation to the employees they feel happy and satisfied and their
productivity enhances. To achieve recognition the employees focuses on the number of skills
possessed by an individual. When employees conduct same activities then it motivation towards
the activity reduced and it can lead to a reduction in the productivity level.
Next factor is related with the self-actualization need in which it has been seen that
people focuses on the theory of Maslow so that their level of motivation can be enhanced. This is
linked with the overall motivation possessed by an individual in context to the transformation of
the perception of self into actuality. This is also related with the autonomy feature of a job. There
is various levels of needs which can be achieved by a person. When the person attained specific
needs then they require flexibility in the activities performed by an individual. The flexibility
can also enhance the need to take correct decisions without taking ideas or views from an
individual. The self-actualization can be attained when they have proper freedom in the overall
performance level and their roles (Gupta and Shaw, 2014),
Conclusion
By focusing on the overall report it can be concluded that strategic human resource plays
a great role in context to engagement and motivation of the employees. It is important to have
proper strategic human resource management in the workplace so that goals and objectives can
be accomplished. The major part is to focus on the activities of the organization that can be taken
into consideration to foster the emotional, cognitive and also the qualities related to behavior that
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give positive effect on the overall activities of the employees who are conducting their activities
on a routine basis. In this paper the emphasis is given on the identification of the motivation
theories that gives influence on the Affective and Behavioral process of the workers. Also the
discussion is made to create positive workplace by offering training, values, feedback and also
appreciation (Haff and Triplett, 2015). Also, how the job should be designed by the HR is
discussed as it gives impact on the level of motivation of an individual.
In the last phase the focus is given on job characteristics model of Hackman and Oldham
that consider the idea that the activity is related with the solution and it enhances the motivation
level of the employees. In the end part also proper elaboration is done in reference to the
relationship between the employees and also the Maslow theory and job characteristics.
Therefore, by considering every aspect of the report it can be stated that motivation is considered
as an important aspect that help to enhance the overall productivity and also assist the company
to accomplish overall goals and objectives in an effective manner. To achieve success it is
important for the company to enhance the motivation level of the employees.
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