Maslow and Herzberg theories of worker motivation

Describe and compare the basic contributions of Maslow and Herzberg to the understanding of worker motivation.

Maslow and Herzberg theories of worker motivation

According to Maslow’s Theory, Worker Motivation depends on the hierarchy of needs. He suggested a pyramid of needs. He said first employees are motivated to do work for basic needs like food, shelter. After these needs met, they try to fulfill needs that lie above them in a pyramid, and this cycle continues until all needs in a pyramid are met.

Herzberg divides the human needs into two groups: Satisfiers and Hygiene factors. According to him, to truly motivate a worker these factors must be present in any workplace.

Comparison of theories:-

• Maslow suggests any need can act as a motivator, Whereas Herzberg said that lower level needs don’t act as a motivator.
• Maslow’s theory is followed in poor and developing countries, whereas Herzberg’s theory is followed in developed and rich countries.
• Maslow suggests a hierarchy of needs, whereas in Herzberg’s theory there is no hierarchy.