Content theories focus on the factors within a person that energise, direct, sustain and stop behaviour. They look at the specific needs that motivate people. These theories have been helpful in discussing motivation but have not been verified by research. We will look at two major content theories, Maslow’s and Herzberg’s.

One of the major Need’s motivation theories is that of Maslow. He suggested that people have a hierarchy of needs that must be satisfied. These needs fall into five major groups:

1 Physiological – air, food and water

5 Self-actualisation – self-fulfilment

Social influences within a group can affect work effectiveness and motivation. Social influence comes in three major types: compliance, identification and internalisation. Each of these three levels of influence has a different effect on improving the effectiveness of work, and on motivation.

§ Providing scheduling freedom. Within limits, the individual workers should be allowed to schedule their own work.

They would then think that because of this, it is important to structure work and energise their staff. Tasks need to be well specified. Even then many employees may need pushing and more direction and control so that they apply adequate effort towards what has to be achieved. Even though good rewards are provided - many of the staff are still disinclined to apply consistently the kinds of effort the organisation needs. Many accept the rewards, complain that they need more and yet behave in ways that are less than fully committed.

Ouchi believes that people are innately self motivated to not only do their work, but also are loyal towards the company, and want to make the company succeed.

Expectancy refers to a person's perception of the probability that effort will lead to performance. For example think of a person who believes that working harder will produce more has a higher expectancy that hard work will lead to higher productivity. On the other hand a person who perceives that he or she will be seen in a bad light will have a high expectancy that effort leads to exclusion.

§ Providing new learning experiences. Work situations should encourage opportunities for new experiences and personal growth.

Some topics in this essay:
BF Skinner, Theories Process, Influence Social, Enlargement Job, Maslow’s Hierarchy, Theory Theory, Design Managers, Ouchi's Theory, McGregor's Theory, Theory Motivation, theory theory, job enrichment, expectancy theory, process theories, theory workers, reinforcement theory, management style, theory motivation, social influence, hygiene factors, job enlargement job, theory theory theory, air food water, 4 ego â€, human relations approach,