Motivation and Rewards

Paper #1 - Motivation and Rewards

Introduction

“Motivation refers to the forces within a person that affect the direction, intensity, and persistence of his or her voluntary behavior” (McShane & Von Glinow, 2013, p. 130). The purpose of this study is to analyze some aspects concerning the level of motivation of the employee Rodolfo Perez Santana at his work place. The study will focus on the different needs of the employee and the level of motivation present for him.

I. Needs Analysis

Needs Theories

“Maslow's needs hierarchy theory” can be applied to evaluate the work motivation for Rodolfo in his job. This theory had been developed by Abraham Maslow in the first half of the 20th century. The model provides a pyramid of five needs that motivate people (McShane & Von Glinow, 2013, p. 133). This motivational theory argues that while people have an aim o f meeting the basic needs, they are also motivated to meet higher needs. These higher aims are achieved in the form of a hierarchy. Of the five levels outlined in the theory, the four lower levels which are termed as Physiological needs need to be accomplished before the higher level which is a growth need can be accomplished. Rodolfo will have to serve the levels of physiological, safety, belongings and esteem before he can move ahead by realizing the goal of self-actualization. Rodolfo in order to be fully motivated will have to meet the lower four levels which are regarded as deprivation needs. Failure to do so will result in lack of motivation. Physiological needs can be achieved through acquiring necessities like food and water. Safety needs can also be easily met by Rodolfo as issues of health and security can be resolved mostly through the medical coverage. The other need of belongingness can be achieved by forming closer relationships with friends. The next level of esteem can be met by working hard to drive recognition from others. Once these needs are met, Rodolfo can move forward to meet his growth needs. In meeting the need of Self-actualization, Rodolfo will be motivated by his personal desire for growth instead of other factors. Behavior must be motivated by the personal desire of Rodolfo. All these five categories have a direct impact in Rodolfo. Though three of the five needs have been satisfied, the physiological and self-actualization remain as the unsatisfied one. There is a lack of motivation for Rodolfo on account of the lower financial gain that is not adequate enough to meet his needs. This is because increase in salaries such as inflation-adjusted growth has not been occurring since a long time.

The needs of Rodolfo have been acquired over time and are driven by his life experience. These needs according to McClelland's theory of needs can be classified as being either of the following: achievement, affiliation and power. The most important need for Rodolfo according to Maslow's theory is belongingness and this can be related to affiliation from McClelland's theory. This high need for affiliation can be met through ...