Motivation

Motivation

Motivation

Miriam Webster defines motivation as "an act or process of motivating; the condition of being motivated; a force, stimulus, or influence: incentive or drive". The manager is to utilize motivation to force their employees to complete tasks, which they normally would not have completed. The study of motivation aids managers in recognizing what prompts employees to start a task, what influences their choice of action, and why they continue in their action over time (Motivation In Organizations 3). Throughout the years many theorists have studied human motivation, and have learned a wide range of methods to aid managers with what makes employees seek to achieve higher knowledge, wealth, prosperity, and happiness in their work.

Abraham Maslow investigated human behavior and developed the hierarchy of needs theory. Maslow's theory states that there are five sets of goals, labeled basic needs. The following lists the five sets of goals labeled the basic needs:

- Physiological Needs -"are those needs required to sustain life, such as: air, water, nourishment and sleep. According to Maslow's theory, if such needs are not satisfied then one's motivation will arise from the quest to satisfy them. Higher needs such as social needs and esteem are not felt until one has met the needs basic to one's bodily functioning." (NetMBA)

- Safety Needs - "Once physiological needs are met, one's attention turns to safety and security in order to be free from the threat of physical and emotional harm. Such needs might be fulfilled by: living in a safe area, medical insurance, job security, and financial reserves. According to Maslow's hierarchy, if a person feels that he or she is in harm's way, higher needs will not receive much attention." (NetMBA)

- Social Needs - "Once a person has met the lower level physiological and safety needs, higher level needs ...