Two Theories of Motivation Essay

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Motivation can be characterized as the set of forces and stimuli which facilitate an activity directed towards the achievement of certain goals. In the contemporary world motivation is studied within various fields such as business and management, health care and medicine, psychology, and sport. Motivation is a rather powerful force, so taking it under control is very important in order to regulate productivity and enforce positive results. Motivation is studied from the perspective of the three of its main components which are activation, intensity, and persistence.

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A number of scientists have been trying to identify the mechanisms according to which motivation works. In neuroscience, a variety of researches has been conducted in order to determine the area of brain responsible for motivation. When it comes to the basic physiological needs – hypothalamus is the center which facilitates the impulses directed at the control of desires related to these needs (Hockenbury par. 1). Among there physiological desires there are hunger, thirst, sexual drive, sleep.

Theorizing about motivation the experts have developed several approaches concerning the hierarchy of needs experienced by humans. One of the most well-known approaches was suggested by Maslow. It is called Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. In this theory the needs are grouped into five categories and arranged as a pyramid with the most basic or physiological needs at the very bottom and personal growth needs at the very top. The purpose of this theory was to explain the ways in which human desires work. Maslow maintained that physiological needs (food, water, sex) are the priority, if they are unfulfilled one’s desires would not move on to the higher levels. Such hierarchy is reasonable when it comes to food, water or sleep, yet, the need for sex does not seem to be essential enough to impact one’s desire for education or spiritual growth. On the contrary, many religious leaders successfully give up sex and pursue their religious practices.

One more motivation theory was developed by Herzberg. It is called Two Factor Theory. The factors that affect motivation are divided into two groups: hygiene factors and motivators. According to the Two Factor Theory, hygiene factors are the ones that do not create any particular effect while they are present but act as motivators when taken away. An example of such factor is safety. Safe conditions are taken for granted but the individuals, yet when they are replaced with unsafe conditions, the individuals start to actively look for security.

The second group (motivators) contains the factors which motivate when present. A good example is the opportunity of personal development which most individuals would pursue. This way, motivators are rather positive stimuli, while hygiene factors are the ones that cause addiction. For example, most people get used to having power or money or high levels of comfort which they would not want to lose or give up.

All of these motivational factors need to be activated in order to launch a chain of actions and reactions. The intensity and persistence of motivational stimuli impacts the behavior of motivated individuals. The ones who are motivated with higher intensity and on a regular basis tend to achieve the desired results faster and move on to the next level of needs or to the next desire. The chain of desires in human psychology is basically endless so this process never stops.

Works Cited

Hockenbury Don H. and Sandra E. Hockenbury. The Hypothalamus and Hunger. 2012. Web.

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IvyPanda. 2020. "Two Theories of Motivation." June 23, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/two-theories-of-motivation/.

1. IvyPanda. "Two Theories of Motivation." June 23, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/two-theories-of-motivation/.


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