Top 2 Theorists

1) Maslow's hierarchy of needs

2) Frederick Herzberg's two-factor theory

Maslow hierarchy of needs

Theory is based on the hierarchy of human needs; basically 5 sets of human needs are indentified in this theory and their satisfaction in motivating employees.

Maslow's theory is simple, descriptive, most popular and widely cited theory of motivation which has wide applicability. It states once the powerful needs of food, security, love and self esteem are satisfied, a deep desire for creative expression and self actualization rises to surface.

Through his hierarchy Maslow succeeded in combining the insights of earlier psychologists Freud and Skinner who focused on the more basic human instincts, and the work of Jung who insist that the desire for happiness is equally worthy of attention.

Importance of the theory

Maslow proposed that human motivation is based on hierarchy of needs. The lowest levels of needs are physiological and survival needs such as hunger and thirst. Further levels include belonging and love, self esteem and self actualization.

Key Issues

Maslow's theory is based on the notion that experience is primary phenomenon in the study of human learning and behavior.

-Once a need or certain order of need is satisfied it is no longer motivating factor.

-Once one level of need is satisfied, the next level will emerge as the depressed need seeking to be satisfied.

-The physiological and security needs are finite but the needs of higher order are infinite and are likely dominant in persons at higher levels in the organization.

-Maslow suggests that various levels are interdependent and overlapping

Maslow in the top ten

Abraham Maslow has been considered the father of humanistic Psychology. He place emphasis on choice, creativity, values, self realization, and human qualities and believed that meaningfulness and subjectivity are more important than objectivity. Maslow essentially made self-fulfillment and happiness a central part of his life's work. In a break from the other experts of his time, he wanted to understand what motivated the great people of history and understand human potential; he wanted to know what humans are capable of as their healthiest self.

These theories are widely cited in the business literature and in my opinion he is one of the top ten theorists.

Frederick Herzberg's two-factor theory

Among various behavioural theories generally believed and embraced by American business are those of Frederick Herzberg's theory. Herzberg, a psychologist, proposed a theory about job factors that motivate employees. Herzberg refers to hygiene factors and motivating factors. Hygiene factors are dissatisfies while motivating factors motivate subordinates. This theory is perspective in