Herzberg's Theory of Motivation

Frederick Herzberg believed that there were two categories of things that lead to either satisfaction or dissatisfaction at work.

He called them Motivators and Hygiene Factors.

Motivator Factors consisted of:

Achievement

Recognition

Responsibility

Personal Growth

Career Advancement

Whereas

Hygiene Factors consisted of:

Supervision

Work relationships

Salary

Work/life balance

Status

Security

It is an interesting theory, one with lots of merit due to the fact that we do not just work for money. There are sometimes other issues that will affect how we act and behave at work. Of course, money may be the biggest factor, but I’d like to think people try and find a job they like, though in times of recession any job is valuable.

I know of friends who have went abroad to the Middle East and worked there just for the tax free breaks it gives and it is not all plain sailing. On the other hand I know of people who have low salary jobs or who are part-time, but love their job. Your job is something you are going to spend a great deal of time in during your life, so it is a huge bonus or win/win as the Americans say, if you can enjoy it.

Glengarry Glen Ross - The Motivational Speech by Alec Baldwin

For those old enough to remember the movie Glengarry Glen Ross, they will remember the story... a salesforce including the likes of Al Pacino and Jack Lemmon are in serious trouble. Someone is going to get the chop.

A whirlwind comes in. A hot shot sales man who is also a bit of a management guru/consultant in the form of Alec Baldwin (a cameo and probably the best thing he has ever done) and in the couple of minutes he is in the movie, he steals the picture.

Baldwin’s character is there to motivate the flagging sales team.. and has the motto: “ABC... Always Be Closing!”

Quite a performance, and if the language wasn’t too bad from David Mamet’s screenplay, perhaps something that could be shown to a class... but I think I will leave that for now!

Higher Business Management - Theory X and Theory Y - Douglas McGregor

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Douglas McGregor describes two different attitudes that employers have towards employees.

Theory X says that workers

<![if !supportLists]>·  <![endif]>x  are lazy and don't want to work

<![if !supportLists]>·  <![endif]>x  can't be trusted

<![if !supportLists]>·  <![endif]>x  have no initiative or ambition

<![if !supportLists]>·  <![endif]>x  must be watched all the time and forced to work

<![if !supportLists]>·  <![endif]>x  work only for money

Theory Y says that workers

<![if !supportLists]>·  <![endif]>y  like to work

<![if !supportLists]>·  <![endif]>y  want responsibility

<![if !supportLists]>·  <![endif]>y  can be trusted

<![if !supportLists]>·  <![endif]>y  will work hard for rewards, which are not only money

McGregor's believed that if bosses treated everyone as theory Y workers, employees will work harder and be more productive, because they are self-motivated. Theory Y believes employees want a say in the decision-making process. This is something that is becoming more common in today’s modern world. If employees are allowed to grow and develop their career, it should result in the business as a whole becoming more effective.

It may seem outdated, but Theory X is still practised by managers who like to retain their authority, and who make decisions then order workers what to do. Theory X assumes that employees will carry out their superior’s instructions. Firms and organisations who employ Theory X often have many internal disputes as employees need to be treated as individuals and human beings because they have needs which must be satisfied also.

Theory X style (authoritarian) is appropriate for factory supervisors or indeed army/police style hierarchies. X aims to control and direct employees.

Theory Y style is more suited in creative industries such as graphic designers, engineering, architects. Y offers more scope for freedom and expression.

Guest Speaker at Hamilton Grammar

The Higher Business Management class were delighted to receive Mr Ian Ferguson, Group HR director of Park's of Hamilton.

Mr Ferguson spoke about his role at Park's, and the role of HR in the firm. He also spoke a little bit about his career and gave a motivational speech.

We then sat down for a more informal chat with the pupils asking some questions about work, employment, careers and business in general.

It was great for Mr Ferguson to give up his valuable time to come into the school and talk to our young people.

His two daughters went to the school and Mr Ferguson is a big supporter of Hamilton Grammar and he said he wanted to contribute, and give something back.

We're glad he did and we look forward to working with Mr Ferguson in the future.

Motivation for 2010

Happy New Year to everyone. 2010 is here!

In 1910, it is rumoured that the above advert was placed in a London newspaper by Sir Ernest Shackleton, a famous Polar explorer.

Shackleton advertised for men to come on his Antarctic adventure and told the blunt truth. Long winter nights, safe return doubtful. Recognition only if we make it back!

Some 20,000 applicants applied. The original X Factor?

Some have argued about the veracity of this famous advert and indeed it may be apocryphal. However whether it is true or not it does somehow speak of a bygone age where to become rich and famous you had to work hard, have talent and actually do something. Sadly in the modern age of the Internet and Reality TV people can become "famous for 15 minutes" just like Andy Warhol said, even when having no discernible talent.

So why post this on the 1st day of the new decade?

To remind students, learners and young people in general that in order to achieve their potential and become successful, there has to be sacrifices and determination. You don't fluke it and become successful. Hard work lays the foundation for any future success. Natural talent is needed, yes. But practising, working hard and setting goals for oneself are vital. Aim for the stars and aim for excellence.

The good thing is that talent is not fixed. It can be developed and grown. David Beckham may be one of the best practitioners of a dead ball in world football, but that is partly down to his natural talent, but also to the hours he spent honing these skills from an early age.

So when it comes to Prelims and Exams, study. Don't rely on chance or natural talent. Give yourself the best opportunity to succeed. Practice. Study. And ask for help and advice from all your teachers.

You may not believe it, but we ARE here to help. It's called job satisfaction!

Have a great 2010.