Theories of Motivation

Motivation theories are divided into two main categories:
     
i.    Content Theories
ii.    Process Theories

Content Theories attempt to explain the specific things that actually motivate an individual at work. They are concerned mainly with identifying people's needs, their relative strengths and the goals people pursue in order to satisfy these needs. Their main focus is on what motivates. Included here are Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, Herzberg's Two Factor Theory, Alderfer's Modified Need Hierarchy and McClellands achievement motivation.

 Process Theories concern themselves with identification of the dynamic variables that make up motivation. Mainly process theories focus on how behaviour is initiated, directed and sustained. They include, expectancy-based models of Vroom and Porter, and Lawler and Adam's equity theory.