Model of Motivational Processes

The common content theories include Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Aldefer’s ERG theory, Herzberg’s Two-Factor Motivation- Hygiene theory, and McClelland’s Achievement Theory. The process theory of motivation is a type of theory that explain how needs of people develops and changes with time. It deals with issues or factors relating to how process of motivation works and sustains itself over time (Lunenburg, 2011). The Process Theories include Expectancy Theory, Equity Theory, and BF Skinner’s Reinforcement Model. Both Content and Process Theories possess important similarities between them, for instance, both explain the concept of hierarchy of needs. The existence needs are most basic including water, food, clothing, physical affection, and safety. Aldefer’s Model coincides with Process Theories of Motivation in that growth needs improve performance because it compels a person to work harder (Lunenburg, 2011).

The internal esteem and self-actualization makes a person to be creative and productive. There is general desire among people to be creative, and productive, and complete meaningful tasks. Secondly, both theories of motivation are based on premise that people behave as they do because they are attempting to fulfill the internal needs that are fundamental for survival. The environmental conditions influence needs of the employees, and their attitudes towards work as well as their performance. BF Skinners Model is human motivation theory arguing that the type of reward given regulates employee behavior. It is based on principle of knowledge and causality where employee positive behavior is rewarded while negative behavior is punished. Reward and punishment weakens and strengths behavior. Vroom’s expectancy theory has similarity with BF Skinners model, both reiterates that the environmental condition shapes employee motivation because employees respond to the stimuli in the environment.