Motivational Theories

Motivational Theories

During the past century, a variety of theories have emerged which come to determine the ways in which people develop their levels of motivation. Motivational Theories identify the social factors that push people to engage in deviance. Two variants of motivational theories are strain theories and learning theories. Whilst varying in structure, theories of motivation are almost exclusively grounded in the field of psychology and usually rely on the view that people ultimately seek to maximize 'pleasure' and minimise 'pain' in their lives.

Motivational theories provide for a useful reference in areas of social psychology as well as corporate/organisational management. Over the last 50 years, the most influential theorists within this area have been Abraham Maslow, Clayton Alderfer , David McClelland and Frederick Herzberg.


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