Motivational Models: A Case Application

1. Motivation models as they apply to Tom, Dick and Harry.

Tom can best be understood by using the Maslow model of the Hierarchy of Needs. Maslow theorized that humans in their own lives, and in their relationship to others, progress through a series of needs, the most basic being physiological -- food, shelter, health and so on. Progressing upward on the pyramid of needs, one finds safety needs (security, danger-free existence), love needs, esteem needs, and finally, self-actualization.

The case tells us that Tom looks at the work "as simply a means of financing his family's needs and nothing else." Because of this, however, we should not make the assumption that he is "stuck" at this level, since he has a wife and children, so the needs of self-esteem and love have been satisfied in his life.

Dick, on the other hand could be analyzed by using Vroom's expectancy theory. Sometimes called the "VIE" theory, the model is based on the interrelationship of "valence" "instrumentality" and "expectancy." Other terms mentioned in the text (176) for valence are "attitude" and "expected utility", two terms that apply well to Dick. Consider this description from the case. "Dick responds well to the company's rules and compensation schemes and has a high degree of personal loyalty to the company." That is a good description of his "valence."

Dick expects that this will make him progress through the

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Approximate Word count = 909
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page)