Goal Setting - Ob

Organisational Behaviour

Assessment 1 – Academic Essay

Choose two organisational/motivational theories discussed in your course so far, and write an essay critically evaluating these. Discuss how these theories apply to modern organisations, for example in the areas of motivation, developing teams or managing performance.

Student: David Burrell – 166023

Word Count: 1, 880

Motivational and goal-setting theories are important frameworks to help organisations achieve measurable positive outcomes, for themselves, but importantly for the workforce employed by them. They help to create favourable results for both the organisation and the individual. The modern organisational structure will use motivational theories to manage performance, set objectives for employees, and promote motivational behaviour within management and therefore within subordinates. One particularly relevant theory is Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, and its use when applied to the subject of motivation. Victor Vroom’s expectancy theory is also well established as it deals with motivation from a goal-setting perspective. Maslow’s theory of human needs and Vroom’s theory of motivation have shown to be productive methods for the development and motivation of employees – yet it should be pointed out they are subject to critical evaluation as organisations continue to evolve. For all their strengths they do have limitations to their effectiveness and purpose for the modern day organisation and the variances which exist - considering how organisational needs are different both internally and geographically.

The study of what motivates us is based primarily on the works of Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory (1945), although many subsequent theories have been applied which stemmed from Maslow’s work. In particular ERG theory, Theory X & Y and cognitive approaches to Maslow, which broaden the theory further. The basic premise however describes our humanistic needs from the basic or... [continues]

Read full essay