Exam code:9609
Herzberg’s Two-Factor theory
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Herzberg’s theory suggests that two factors affect employee motivation and job satisfaction
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Hygiene factors
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Elements that do not necessarily lead to job satisfaction, but their absence can cause dissatisfaction
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Motivators
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Elements that lead to job satisfaction and motivation
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Herzberg’s Two Factor theory
How businesses use hygiene factors to decrease dissatisfaction
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Pay fair wages and salaries
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If an employee is not paid a fair rate for their work, they may become dissatisfied
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Offer excellent working conditions
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If the workplace is dirty, unsafe, or uncomfortable, employees may become demotivated
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E.g. Google‘s workplaces include gourmet restaurants, laundry services and dog care
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Offer employment contracts which provide job security
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If employees feel that their job is not secure, they may become anxious and contribute less to business goals
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How businesses use motivating factors to increase satisfaction
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Build a recognition and rewards culture
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When employees are recognised and rewarded for their hard work, they are motivated to perform well
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Offer opportunities for growth and development
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When employees are given opportunities to learn new skills and advance in their careers, they are motivated to continue working for the business
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Provide challenging work that requires problem-solving.
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When employees are given challenging work that allows them to use their skills and abilities, they are motivated to continue performing well
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McClelland’s Acquired Needs theory
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McClelland’s Acquired Needs theory focuses on three key needs that individuals develop over time and how these needs influence their actions and choices in the workplace and in life
Summary of McLelland’s Acquired Needs
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Type of need |
Achievement need (nAch) |
Affiliation need (nAff) |
Power need (nPow) |
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Motivations |
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Behaviours |
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The relative strength of these needs varies among individuals
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They can be developed over time through life experiences, upbringing and cultural influences
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Understanding individuals’ dominant need can help employers tailor their approach to employee motivation and management
Strengths and weaknesses of McLelland’s Acquired Needs theory
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Strengths |
Weaknesses |
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Vroom’s Expectancy theory
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Vroom’s Expectancy theory seeks to explain why people make choices and behave in specific ways
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It assumes that people will choose to maximise pleasure and minimise pain and will behave in a way that results in the best outcome or reward
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It suggests that motivation depends on these three factors working together
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Expectancy is the belief that effort leads to performance
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Instrumentality is the belief that performance leads to outcomes
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Valence is the value or desirability of those outcomes
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Vrooms Expectancy theory
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Expectancy |
Instrumentality |
Valence |
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Where low motivation is identified, managers may take steps to improve one or more of the components for individuals
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These steps may include
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Improve training and development to increase the expectancy score
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Increase trust between management and workers by ensuring that promises are kept to increase the instrumentality score
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Increase the range of rewards available for good performance to improve the valence score
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Strengths and weaknesses of Vroom’s Expectancy theory
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Strengths |
Weaknesses |
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Examiner Tips and Tricks
Case studies often contain clues to the motivational approach adopted by a business. Consider how much or how little control over their working patterns employees have. Weigh up which needs are – or are not being met. Look for indications of how challenging or engaging the work is likely to be.
Responses