Question

Compare and contrast needs-based theories of motivation , what suggestion is the best advantage to the healthcare managers and explain any disadvantage of management and leadership approaches to managing employee motivation and engagement.

Answer 1

The first theory, i.e. Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory suggests that employees most basic needs must be fulfilled before he is motivated by other needs. The hierarchy starts with physiological needs such as food water, safety needs, social and esteem needs and lastly self-actualization needs. Another theory is Frederick Herzberg's motivation hygiene theory which suggests that an employee's hygiene needs might not necessarily improve performance but if they are not met, they can result in a decline in performance. David McClelland's acquired needs theory is based on the three needs: achievement, power and affiliation and all the three are necessary for employee engagement and performance. Clayton Alderfer's ERG theory is based on existence, relatedness and growth. However, unlike Maslow's the needs must not be fulfilled in any particular order and all the needs must not be met simultaneously for employee satisfaction. For health care managers, the self actualisation needs are fulfilled because they are already working in a challenging environment and deriving satisfaction from the nature of their work. So it is important that their physiological needs are met, i.e. comparable salary, lunch breaks during office hours, safe working environment is provided to them. The disadvantage with Maslow's theory is that it has a pyramid structure and a rational person will focus first on food, water, clothing and shelter but that is not always the case as an individual would forego paying bills than meeting his friends at an expensive place. The limitations of Herzberg's theory is that one employee might find job security as hygiene while other might find it as a motivation.