The first to pay attention to the problems of labor motivation were Smith and Owen, who believed that money was the main and, in fact, the only motivating factor. According to them, people work only to obtain the funds necessary for the purchase of food, clothing, housing, etc.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the scientific theory of control was born, at the origins of which stood Taylor. At this time, a close and constant study of the labor process begins, in order to subsequently improve it.
The main theories of motivation can be divided into the following groups:
- informative (Maslow, McKellond, Herzberg);
- procedural (Vroom);
- based on the attitude to work (McGregor, Ouchi).
In the 40s. In the United States, several concepts of motivation have been developed . Although substantive theories of motivation diverge on some issues, they are not mutually exclusive.
The management system that existed in those days suffered from the fact that workers were not interested in displaying their own labor skills. The administration, in turn, having no idea about these opportunities, could not use them. The material incentive system was ineffective and did not stimulate the corresponding labor return.
Substantive theories of motivation. Maslow's Theory of Needs
The personality usually behaves as compelled by its dominant need at this time. This makes each person act in a way that satisfies her. Maslow created a needs model consisting of five groups:
1st group - physiological;
2nd group - the need for security;
3rd group - membership in a social group ;
4th group - need for respect (success, status, self-esteem);
5th group - the need for self-expression.
A dominant need directs human behavior until it is resolved. All the above needs are satisfied in a strictly hierarchical order. If there are two identical social needs, then the need for a lower level will triumph. Different people - different needs. The situation is changing, and human needs are changing. Work can provide an opportunity to meet social needs.
Substantive theories of motivation. McKellond's theory of motivation
In his theory, McKellond proceeded from the fact that with many needs characteristic of people, three are considered the most significant: involvement, success, power.
There are two types of motives:
- striving for success;
- avoidance of failure.
McKellond noted that for those with a need for success, money is not the main thing, they are important as an indicator of success. If there is a need to motivate such people, in this case you need to set tasks with a small degree of risk, give them sufficient authority to awaken the initiative, and regularly encourage it.
Substantive theories of motivation. Frank Herzberg Theory
It was created on the basis of surveys conducted at workplaces in different countries. People had to describe situations in which they were satisfied or felt dissatisfied.
Factors that influence job satisfaction:
Achievement in recognition of success.
Interest in work.
Responsibility.
Promotion.
Professional growth.
Factors influencing job dissatisfaction:
Management method.
The policy pursued by the administration in the organization.
The conditions in which the labor process takes place.
Earnings.
Interpersonal relationships at work.
Lack of stability.
The impact of work on personal life.
The first group of factors is called motivators, and the second - context factors. With motivators, everything is more or less clear. Context factors create an unfavorable situation, workers are dissatisfied, at best, these factors give out their neutral attitude.
These three listed scientific works laid the foundations in modern theories of motivation.