Abstract:

Most employers today would like to have their employee’s motivated and ready to work, but do not understand what truly motivates a person. Companies could be more efficient if the employees had an invested interest in the future of the company. There are essential needs to be met for a person, specifically an employee, to succeed in the workplace. I will examine different theories of motivations, how they are relevant to the workplace, and how employers can implement the theories to ensure happy and motivated employees.

The most important theories include: Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, Herzberg’s two-factor theory, Aristotle’s seven causes, and the different types of motivation. Each theory is related in the fact that there are needs for all people to meet. Every employee is at a different stage in their lives, which requires different management techniques. It is shown that motivation must come from within the employee. The theories investigated will help describe how managers can influence their employees to self motivate and produce the best work possible.