Critically Evaluate and Discuss the Theories Presented by Hertzberg (1959) and Alderfer (1972)

Human resources are nowadays regarded to be one of the most important assets to organizations. On this effect, it is the aim of every organization to make the most out of the human resources available to them. Several theories related to human resource management have been put forward to try and provide organizations with a theoretical framework on which to base their practices and processes on. One of the theories which have received much focus for the better half of the past century is the motivational theory. According to the theory, people are able to function best if they are motivated. On this point, it can be acknowledged that motivated employees are associated with a higher performance as a compared to those who are not.  As a result of this, it is the responsibility of the leadership and management of an organization to motivate its employees. Hertzberg’s and Alderfer’s  two factor and ERG model respectively are some of the theories which have been used to explain motivation. The following essay will critically discuss the two theories with respect to the lectures discussed in class.

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In conclusion, this essay has been able to give an insight into the two factor and existence needs, relatedness needs and growth needs motivation model by Hertzberg and Alderfer respectively. According to the two-factor theory, an individual’s performance is influenced by two sets of factors; one which influences the level of satisfaction (motivators) and those which influence the level of dissatisfaction (hygiene factors). Under the ERP model by Alderfer, it was identified that individual motivation is influenced by existence needs, relatedness needs and growth needs of an individual. From the discussion, it has come out clearly that there is a need for an organization to identify specific needs which are pertinent to their employees; hence being able to implement the motivational theories in the context of their organizations. Organizational leadership and management have been identified are critical factors which determine the successful implementation of the employee motivation. Whichever the approach taken, it was acknowledged that employee motivation is critical to the performance of an organization; hence its need in organizational leadership.

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