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Motivation Paper
Five basic motivation theories have been developed over the years and used in corporations nation-wide to develop and maintain healthy and strong work environments. Motivation is described as "the individual forces that account for the direction, level, and persistence of a person's effort expended at work" (Schermerhorn, J.R., Hunt, J.G., & Osborn, R.N., 2005). In the hopes to achieve the best work possible from employees, JAMS Toy Store uses different motivation theories with the three main groups of employees; salespeople, production workers, and administrative staff. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, the ERG Theory, the Two-Factor Theory, Equity Theory, and the Expectancy Theory are the five basic motivational theories used for the appropriate group of employees. The following will examine which theory best suits each of the three employee groups, listed above, with the JAMS Toy Store.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory contends "human beings are motivated by unsatisfied needs, and that certain lower needs need to be satisfied before higher needs can be satisfied" (Gwynne, 1997). Physiological, safety, love, and esteem needs must be met in order to attain an unselfish attitude or self-actualization. Physiological needs include air, water, and sleep; safety needs are more of a psychological nature and have to do with a desire to feel safe and secure within the home environment; love and a sense of needing to belong needs are fulfilled by being part of a group, whether in the community or at work; esteem needs are met when one is able to excel at a ta ...