168 Outcome: Need-Based Theories

What you’ll learn to do: explain need-based theories of worker motivation, including Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and Herzberg’s two-factor theory

The earliest answer to motivation involved understanding individual needs. Specifically, early researchers thought that employees try hard and demonstrate goal-driven behavior to satisfy needs. For example, an employee who is always walking around the office talking to people may have a need for companionship, and his behavior may be a way of satisfying that need. There are four major theories in the need-based category: Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, ERG theory, Herzberg’s two-factor theory, and McClelland’s acquired-needs theory.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

The learning activities for this section include:

• Reading: Need-Based Motivation Theories
• Self Check: Need-Based Theories

Take time to review and reflect on this activity in order to improve your performance on the assessment for this section.