2.2.3—Motivation theories

Taylor, Mayo, Maslow, Herzberg, McClelland and Vroom emphasise different mechanisms: pay and efficiency, social belonging, needs, job factors, achievement or expectancy of valued outcomes.

Use a theory to explain a specific pattern, then test its assumptions against the workforce and task. No theory captures every employee or situation.

If performance falls after repetitive work, Herzberg may direct attention to job design; if targets seem unreachable, Vroom points toward expectancy and reward credibility.

Naming a theory is not analysis: the mechanism must connect evidence, management action and likely limitations.