Michael John Maslow's Theory Of Motivation

1.1 What is Motivation?
Motivation may be defined as all those forces/factors that cause people to behave in certain ways. According to Michael J Jucius, motivation is, “the act of stimulating someone or oneself to get a desired course of action.”
1.1.1 Motivation theories
At one time, employees were considered just another input into the production of goods and services. What perhaps changed this way of thinking about employees was research, referred to as the Hawthorne Studies, conducted by Elton Mayo from 1924 to 1932. This study found employees are not motivated solely by money and employee behavior is linked to their attitudes. Motivation theories seek to explain why employees are motivated by and satisfied with one type of work than another.

There are five needs, namely: Physiological needs, also called as biological needs are the fundamental needs for sustaining the human life. These needs include food, clothing, shelter, rest, water, air, and sleep etc., lies at the lowest level in the hierarchy of needs as they have priority over all other needs. Security / safety needs are the needs connected with psychological fear of loss of job, property, natural calamities or hazards, etc. An employee prefers adequate safety and security from fear with regard to protection from physical danger, security of job, pension at old age, insurance coverage for life, etc. Social needs refer to the desire to be affiliated to groups (peer group/ work group/fellow employees/ interaction with superiors, friends and relatives. Esteem needs include the need to be respected by others, need to be appreciated by others, need to have the power and finally prestigious position. It also includes those for self-confidence, self-respect, competence, etc.Self-actualization needs is the realization and fulfilment of an individual to utilise his potentials to the maximum

Hygiene factors are those factors which when adequate / reasonable in a job, pacify the employees and do not make them dissatisfied. These factors are extrinsic to work and comprises of: pay or salary, company policies, fringe benefits, physical working conditions, employees’ status, interpersonal relations and job security Motivational Factors According to Herzberg, the hygiene factors cannot be regarded as motivators. The motivational factors yield positive satisfaction and symbolize the psychological needs that were perceived as an additional benefit. Motivational factors include: Recognition, Sense of achievement, Growth and promotional opportunities, Responsibility, Meaningfulness of the