Paper Topic:

Theory X, Y and Theory Z provide different ideas on how one manages and motivates employees. What do these theories say and in what respects do they fundamentally differ?

Running head : Theories of Motivation

A Critical Appraisal of the Motivational Theories X , Y and Z

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A Critical Appraisal of the Motivational Theories X , Y and Z

Motivation in simple words is a drive , which enables a person in accomplishment of a specified task in a befitting manner . In psychological terms , motivation is the purpose for striving towards a goal . It forces a person to adopt a required behaviour that will ultimately guide and lead the person to the goal . This drive can be stimulated internally or influenced by some

outside factors . However it is not that simple as it seems . Recent studies have depicted that humans tend to seek sensory stimulation , even without any anticipated goal Various tools like brain scanning have been developed of late , which can illustrate neurological basis for motivation ( Motivation-1 ' 2003 par . 1

Work organisations are under a constant scrutiny and have undergone a profound development in last three decades . Organisational behaviour and structural-functionalist framing have remained the focal point of most studies (Silverman 1970 , pp . 88-91 . In the world of business , a major contributory factor towards organisational effectiveness as recognised by most theorists is the motivation . Motivated workforce helps organizations in achieving their tactical and strategic goals effectively . The biggest challenge faced by human resource managers now a days is to keep all employees motivated specially in a diverse environment . The importance of motivation can not be ignored at any level . This essay has therefore been designed to take account of the motivational theories . The essay will first highlight importance of motivation followed by few important motivational theories and will then scrutinize motivational theories X , Y and Z , while identifying major fundamental differences between them

Importance of Motivation

Keeping the workforce motivated is not only important for getting the best out of employees but it also generates job satisfaction amongst employees thereby reducing the employee turnovers . Every organization regards workforce morale and workplace environment as the top two priorities . It has been established through research that increased workforce motivation results in increased productivity . Motivated employees come out with unique ideas to increase sales and expand businesses . The benefits of keeping the workforce motivated are enormous . Besides reducing turnovers and decreasing absenteeism , it helps in solving the problems as well (Precht 2006 , par 1 . Importance of motivation in the corporate sector can not be ignored . When people are not motivated to work , they will have less energy , they will be more resistant to changes , and will less likely to be making any suggestions in improvements or take that extra step to keep customers coming back

Important Theories of Motivation

Motivation is basically the reason for doing anything . It is the driving force behind all actions of human beings , animals , and even lower organisms ( Motivation-2 ' 2005 , par . 1 . Various theories have evolved over the period of time that adequately explain the process of motivation and work behaviour (Rose 1988 ,

. 25 . There is in fact a jungle of theories of motivation . What ever the approach...

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