Skip to content

A survey on motivational theories

Nobu Sato

This is a survey on motivational theories.

Given the current prevalence of social issues such as layoffs, gender inequality, skill shortages, quiet quitting, and VUCA, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of motivational theories in order to effectively motivate people.

Some well-known motivational theories:

  • Maslow's hierarchy of needs: This theory suggests that humans are motivated to satisfy five basic needs, which are arranged in a hierarchy. The needs are physiological, safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization.

  • ERG theory: This theory is similar to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, but it breaks down the needs into three categories: existence, relatedness, and growth.

  • Herzberg's dual-factor theory: This theory suggests that there are two types of factors that motivate employees: hygiene factors and motivators. Hygiene factors are things like salary, working conditions, and job security. Motivators are things like achievement, recognition, and responsibility.

  • McClelland's acquired needs theory: This theory suggests that there are three basic needs that motivate people: the need for power, the need for affiliation, and the need for achievement.

  • Expectancy theory: This theory suggests that people are motivated to behave in certain ways if they expect that their behavior will lead to desired outcomes.

  • Goal-setting theory: This theory suggests that people are motivated to achieve goals that are specific, challenging, and achievable.

  • Self-determination theory: This theory suggests that people are motivated to behave in ways that satisfy their basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. (Daniel Pink motivation 3.0: Autonomy, Mastery, Purpose)

I personally support the concept of Motivation 3.0 theory, which identifies three basic types of motivation in psychology:

  • Biological motivation or 1.0: This is the most primitive type of motivation that drives us to stay alive, such as thirst and hunger.
  • Extrinsic motivation or 2.0: This type of motivation is triggered by external factors, such as rewards or penalties.
  • Intrinsic motivation or 3.0: This type of motivation drives us to do things for our own enjoyment.

According to Daniel Pink, a well-known writer, columnist, and speaker specializing in business, three factors promote Motivation 3.0: autonomy, mastery, and purpose.

  • Autonomy: This is the desire to make decisions without constant supervision from others.
  • Mastery: This is the desire to excel in a particular skill, aptitude, or competition.
  • Purpose: This is the driving force behind doing something in the service of something greater than ourselves.

By allowing employees to work independently (autonomy), focus on what they do best (mastery) while performing a task they enjoy (purpose), organizations can encourage Motivation 3.0, which enhances performance and productivity.

Understanding motivational theories is crucial for effectively motivating people in the face of social issues such as layoffs, gender inequality, and skill shortages. Some well-known theories include Maslow's hierarchy of needs, Herzberg's dual-factor theory, and Expectancy theory. The concept of Motivation 3.0 theory, which identifies three basic types of motivation in psychology, is also discussed, with autonomy, mastery, and purpose being identified as key factors for enhancing performance and productivity.
Nobu Sato

Nobu Sato