Blog Two: Improving Staff Performance

There are two types of motivational theories, Content and Process, the difference being that content theories focus on what motivates an individual, whereas process theories concentrate on how an individual is motivated.

‘Content’ is based around the theory that individuals have a natural drive to pursue certain ‘needs’, and as a result meeting those needs is motivating. Contrasting to the Content theory, the Process theory believes that an individual will set goals and will work out how to achieve those goals.

The relationship between an employer and their individual employees will have an impact on how employees feel and how motivated they are. If someone feels they are not able to reach their potential, goals have not been set, or they are being treated unfairly, this is usually down to the employer. In order to improve staff performance an employer should look at process theories to gain an understanding of how to motivate their employees.

An example of a Process theory is Adam’s Equity Theory. This theory is largely based around personal and therefore individual perception. Being equal would mean being fair to everyone within the company, however not everyone would perceive ‘fair’ as the same thing, causing the theory to differ for each person. The equality theory states that someone is likely to make a number of different comparisons in order to evaluate their position within the company. These comparisons may be made between a variety of different things including, social groups, financial position, past experiences or positions and colleagues. 
The theory also outlines how someone who feels inequity is present may deal with it, for example changing the input, output or changing their perception of themselves or others around them. 

(Fig 1: Input & Output balance; Dreamstime.com )

Easy Jet

Easy Jet are a budget airline, in a very competitive market. As a result they must ensure they motivate their staff in order to retain them and encourage potential employees to join their expanding company instead of a competitor. After carrying out some primary research on the company’s website, I discovered how they motivate their staff. 

“Our Values underpin this and form 5 core principles you can observe in everything we do:

Safety - Our number one priority, no compromises

Teamwork - We'll get there faster together

Pioneering - Breaking the mould to find new ways and new opportunities

Passionate - We're ambitious to be the best we can be

Integrity - We mean what we say and we do it! ” 


(easyjet.com)

According to a number of different theorists, including Maslow and Herzberg, ‘Safety’ is a vital element of motivation. This is Easy Jet’s first principle and they have stated that it is their ‘number one priority’ (easyjet.com). This is a basic element within many motivation theories and Easy Jet have seen this and met this.

Easy Jet have also focused in on teamwork, another important element of motivation. Teamwork can make an individual feel valued, whilst also helping ensure that all employees are treated fairly. If an individual is working as part of a team they should feel equal and socially involved, relating back to both, Maslow’s need to be socially integrated within the work environment and Adam’s theory of individual’s desire to be treated equally.

In conclusion, it would appear that process theories could also be related to current organisations and how they motivate people.

The process theories look at personal goals; although the theories are generic they differ for each person because they can be largely down to personality, personal preference, and personal drive, setting goals, reaching targets and feeling motivated will depend on how an individual feels about themselves and the people around them.

I feel the process theories will have a more positive affect on an individual that is passionate, ambitious, and driven because I feel these are the people who will react if they are not being pushed to reach full potential, or feel as if they are not being treated fairly.

References:

• Simpson, M. (2011) Motivation [PowerPoint]
• (2010) Easy Jet Careers Culture, vision & values [online] Available from: http://www.easyjetcareers.com/life-on-board/ [Assessed: 14/10/11]
• Fig 1 sourced:
• [online] Available from: http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photography-equity-theory-business-diagram-image11849007 [Assessed: 14/10/11]