Title: Motivation and Motivation Theory | Encyclopedia.com
Headings: Motivation and Motivation Theory
Motivation and Motivation Theory
Motivation and Motivation Theory
HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT
MAJOR CONTENT THEORIES
MAJOR PROCESS THEORIES
MYERS-BRIGGS TYPE INDICATOR (MBTI)
BIBLIOGRAPHY

Content: the content theories of motivation and the process theories of motivation. MAJOR CONTENT THEORIES
Content (or need) theories of motivation focus on factors internal to the individual that energize and direct behavior. In general, such theories regard motivation as the product of internal drives that compel an individual to act or move (hence, “ motivate ”) toward the satisfaction of individual needs. The content theories of motivation are based in large part on early theories of motivation that traced the paths of action backward to their perceived origin in internal drives. Major content theories of motivation are Maslow's hierarchy of needs, Alderfer's ERG theory, Herzberg's motivator-hygiene theory, and McClelland's learned needs or three-needs theory. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Abraham Maslow developed the hierarchy of needs, which suggests that individual needs exist in a hierarchy consisting of physiological needs, security needs, belongingness needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization needs. Physiological needs are the most basic needs for food, water, and other factors necessary for survival. Security needs include needs for safety in one's physical environment, stability, and freedom from emotional distress. Belongingness needs relate to desires for friendship, love, and acceptance within a given community of individuals.