Abstract
A number of factors influence human behaviors. Such actions range from personal and environmental aspects. Depending on the time and mode of interactions, people tend to gain, shape and change their characters and behaviors for chances of growth. This is a trend that has been witnessed in time in history through the contributions of various scholars. The aspect of individual behaviors is categorized as psychological factors, meaning that the change affects both the mental and physical aspects of victims. The paper thus discusses the multiple theories that relate to motivation factors of individual environments. Such theories include Maslow’s Need Hierarchy, Reinforcement Theory of Motivation, and Expectancy Theory of Motivation. Each theory follows a distinct line of experiments and explanations, but all suggest that changes are bound to be witnessed in the victims’ environments. Businesses, schools, and other employment sectors rely on such theories to understand their colleagues better, empower, and give them a chance to advance themselves.
Motivational Theories
Maslow’s Need Hierarchy
Abraham Maslow formulated the theory in 1943. The theory suggests that human beings have needs that are categorized in a hierarchy. As an individual fulfills one needs down the hierarchy, they are motivated to focus their attention on achieving the next need. The categories of such needs include physiological, that covers the desire to eat and drink water, safety, that involves the need for a safe environment, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization.
Results from a study by Louis Tay and Ed Diener suggest that when the needs are met, an individual’s well-being is achieved. The theory has been applied in organizations to motivate workers and encourage teamwork through social events. Baumeister and Leary provide current updates to the theory, suggesting that isolation can affect the physical and mental health of individuals. In business and work environments, staff are given challenging tasks to improve their skills and thus realize the essence of self-actualization.
Reinforcement Theory of Motivation
BF Skinner proposed the theory in 1957. It states that an individual’s behavior is a function of its consequences. Therefore, behaviors that attract positive results are repeated and tends to motivate individuals.
Results from further studies suggest that behaviors are shaped by environmental factors like those around an individual. The theory has been applied in prisons and rehabilitation centers to modify and shape the behaviors of individuals. There is no trace of current updates to the theory. Managers, teachers, and other responsible personnel apply the theory through positive reinforcement by giving affirmative and motivating comments when an employee or a colleague exhibits required behaviors.
Expectancy Theory of Motivation
Victor Vroom proposed the theory in 1964. The theory states that the intensity of a tendency to perform in a particular manner is dependent on the intensity of an expectation that the performance will be followed by a definite outcome and on the appeal of the result to the individual. Therefore, the performance of individuals depends on how much they desire and expect a reward.
Studies suggest that expectancy attitudes yield motivation in various environments. The theory has been applied to encouraging individuals to change their behaviors and for a chance to improve their situations. There are no records of current updates to the theory. In working and school environments, the theory has been applied to improve relationships between efforts and rewards, performance, and personal goals.