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Compare and contrast one process theory of motivation with one content theory. Include in your answer a brief explanation why one is a process and the other is a content theory.
Motivation is defined as “ the extent to which an individual is engaged by the work role he or she occupies”, (Fincham and Rhodes,05). There are many theories of motivation available that imply motivated behaviour is a result of fulfillment of psychological needs and decision making processes. Motivation is extremely important in the world of business as if workers are motivated than there is a increase in quality productivity. Therefore businesses try and increase motivation in their employees.
There are two types of theories that define motivation; Content and Process theories.
Content theories are defined on the assumption that we can attribute a similar set of needs to all individuals (Fincham and Rhodes,05). There are a number of different content theories that are available which all differ in what these individual needs consist of. The most influential content theory was put forward by Malsow (1954) who contributed the “Hierarchy of Needs”(Fincham and Rhodes,05).
On the other hand Process theories concentrate on the emphasis on the role of an individual’s cognitive processes in determining his/her level of motivation (Fincham and Rhodes,05). One influential process theory is known as the equity theory, this investigates the affect of either being poorly or too well rewarded on our behaviour. As you can see a process theory looks differently at motivation compared to a content theory. A process theory examines the differences in needs of people whereas a content theory groups people together via their needs.< ...