Peter Archibong, Ph.D.

Motivation: Improving employees’ morale using the XY theories

Abstract

Different methods used to motivate employees that directly affect workplace productivity and employment tenure are examined in this paper. The significance of this study lies in the fact that employees turnover cost has been underestimated in many fields including the high tech industry. According Human Resource Forum index (2005) turnover cost for a technical specialist is between 100% and 250% of annual salary. Four motivational theories: (a) Hawthorne study findings; (b) Maslow’s need-hierarchy; (c) McGregor theory X and Y; and (d) Hertzberg’s two-factor theory are discussed have been widely applied in business and industry to improve productivity and reduce costly employee turnover. 

Table of Contents

 Abstract.. PAGEREF _Toc116183381 \h 3

Motivation: Improving employees’ morale using the XY theories   PAGEREF _Toc116183382 \h 5

Definition of Motivation.. PAGEREF _Toc116183383 \h 6

Importance of Motivation.. PAGEREF _Toc116183384 \h 7

Motivation Theories.. PAGEREF _Toc116183385 \h 9

Hawthorne Study Findings.. PAGEREF _Toc116183386 \h 10

Content Theories of Motivation.. PAGEREF _Toc116183387 \h 12

Maslow's Need-Hierarchy Theory.. PAGEREF _Toc116183388 \h 13

Hertzberg's Motivator-Hygiene Theory.. PAGEREF _Toc116183389 \h 14

Process Theories of Motivation.. PAGEREF _Toc116183390 \h 15

McGregor Theory X and Y.. PAGEREF _Toc116183391 \h 16

Discussion.. PAGEREF _Toc116183392 \h 17

High Technology Application.. PAGEREF _Toc116183393 \h 19

Conclusion.. PAGEREF _Toc116183394 \h 21

References.. PAGEREF _Toc116183395 \h 24

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Last modified: July 04, 2008