ERG vs.

Maslow in an non-union environment

Research paper
Katelynn Polacco 11/15/2010

In the work force there are two types of motivational theories that mangers have used to motivate their employees and they are ERGs theory and Maslows hierarchy theory. Each theory is devised of steps to help one achieve the most satisfaction of their task. Also each can be used differently and interrupted differently according to what type of setting it is used in. This paper will explore the use of ERG and Maslows theory in a non-union environment and which one would be the best for a non-union manager to use. We are also going to compare and contrast the theories along with talking about the advantages and disadvantages of the theories. In 1943 a man by the name of Abraham Maslow devised a theory involving five steps on how to achieve a perfect work environment. It is a theory that bears his name the Maslows hierarchy theory. To fully understand the steps and where Maslow gets his idea for the theory you need to understand some facts and where he is coming from. There basic needs along with desires that he explains on how he came up with his steps. There are two basic or physiological needs that have to be discussed and met in order for Maslows theory to begin. They are the development and conception of homeostasis and finding what appetites are fairly efficient of actual needs (1). This can mean food and keeping the body at top physical conditions to ones type, has to be met in order to get the body focused on what you need that person to do. These needs do not include the sensory or sexual desire one has, but they too have to be met in some cases to keep one motivated.
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2) 3) 4) Maslow A.H. A Theory of Human Motivation Human Resource and Pesonnel Management ERG Theory Refinement to the Maslow Theory of Motivation Clear application to change leadership and management ERG Theory-Clayton P, Alderfer ERG Theory Maslows Hierarchy Theory

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But there are localized aspects that should be met first before further going on in his steps (1). These needs do change as one goes on and they have been met. The second is the need for safety that occurs only when the physiological needs are met. They can be more of a power then physiological needs, in fact they can fully dominate a person. They may serve as the most exclusive organizers of behavior, recruiting all the capacities of the organism in their service, and we may then fairly describe the whole organism as a safety-seeking mechanism (1). All the fears and doubt that one has can be traced back to their childhoods and from the teachings of their parents. Our society makes it so one feels comfortable and safe to perform so it is also big motivators (1). Next is the need for love once the first two are met we have the feeling of love and affection. In our society though, love can be one of the big motivators over powering physiological needs and putting safety on the back burner. Esteem is a need that we have to feel accepted and wanted. Once this is met we have a sound base to start and increase the needs and want of the organism (1). Self-actualization the needs can be met but the organism must be happy and well fitted in what they are doing to make this work (1). Lastly is ones peak experiences and from what we get out of in life. These are the needs and desires, that one needs to understand in order to fully accept and understand Maslows thirteen steps. Once you understand the needs and desires in the first paragraph you can start using the method in your work place. Maslows hierarchy theory is a pyramid format you must complete it
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2) 3) 4) Maslow A.H. A Theory of Human Motivation Human Resource and Pesonnel Management ERG Theory Refinement to the Maslow Theory of Motivation Clear application to change leadership and management ERG Theory-Clayton P, Alderfer ERG Theory Maslows Hierarchy Theory

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in steps in order to fulfill the motivations. You have to complete it from the bottom up. You start with ones basic needs and end with ones peak experiences. You cannot even skip steps they need to go in chronological order. Once the pyramid is complete one is at their peak motivation level and will complete anything that is thrown at them. It easy to complete the pyramid you just have to offer a few things. For physiological needs provide a lunch break or wages to supply comfortable living (6). Safety can be met with job security and benefits for when you retire (6). Socially have them work in teams or social events like an ice cream social. Esteem just praised them or offer job titles or bonus one a person goes above all to achieve a goal (6). Last for self-actualization challenge them and provide new events to help them reach their full potential (6). When full potential is met the employee can succeed in anything and will be a fully devoted member of your team. The advantages of using Maslows hierarchy theory if all of the five levels of needs are met you will have an employee for life. If you understand the needs you can better understand why people need them in their lives and work environment. It then will allow you to be able to recognized potential and how to reward your employees Its also the first form of motivation that we are exposed to (6). Lastly it helps you motivate your employees so there more likely to work for you and your company. Those are some of the advantages you may feel or see happening when you use Maslows theory.
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2) 3) 4) Maslow A.H. A Theory of Human Motivation Human Resource and Pesonnel Management ERG Theory Refinement to the Maslow Theory of Motivation Clear application to change leadership and management ERG Theory-Clayton P, Alderfer ERG Theory Maslows Hierarchy Theory

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There are also disadvantages for all people are driven in a different ways and dont always want the same needs at once. There is no way you can understand or pursue what all your employees want at once (6). You can focus on some needs of others and leave some out causing people to leave the company or not pull their weight in the company. Also there is little evidence to support his theory that people have to be satisfied only one level at a time. There can be conflicts between the needs. Those are just some of the disadvantages some feel about when using Maslows theory. The second method is the ERG theory which was founded by Clayton P. Alderfer in the 1969. ERG stands for existence, relatedness and growth which stands for the three steps he uses. Unlike Maslows theory ERG only has three steps and levels of needs and desires. It is also not as strict as Maslows theory it allows you to fulfill your needs as you see fit. It takes the best aspects of the earlier methods and puts them all together (2). You can fulfill the lower ones last because you may seem easier to the person (5). Alderfers research resembles that of Maslows in the fact of the hierarchy needs but it has different importance factors (4). Besides only having three steps that allows people to fulfill the needs when they want and allows them to be meet simultaneously (4). The first step in Alderfers is existence which is basically the need to stay alive and be prospers for the future. (3). Next is the relatedness need when you feel safe and secure with the people around you (3). Also you feel comfortable with your status in society. The last need Alderfer has is
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2) 3) 4) Maslow A.H. A Theory of Human Motivation Human Resource and Pesonnel Management ERG Theory Refinement to the Maslow Theory of Motivation Clear application to change leadership and management ERG Theory-Clayton P, Alderfer ERG Theory Maslows Hierarchy Theory

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the need for growth which is just the need for self creative expression not just for us but for our employees as while (3). ERG theory provides a workable explanation of the dynamics of human needs as experienced and expressed in organizational situations specifically in ways of why and how people's needs can be changed (3). There are three applications that can help change the dynamics of how peoples needs can be changed. They are the impact of initiative program, leadership and communication, and the skills of leadership (3). Planning phase of changing initiative, and especially when reviewing the full impact you have and analyzing the process and influences. Along with communication as it focuses on the change of leaders on its impacts of the 3 fundamental human needs (3). Leadership and communication are a major part of the ERG theory a good leader always listens to his employees. Also the understanding of growth from the leaders, aspect and how to inset it in your work. Knowing how to address problems and being able to communicate through difficult situations (3). Leadership skills are ones being able to provide stimulation and sustain values that will foster and engender growth and norm in the work place (3). Also being able to motivate and address the needs of the employees. That is the ERG Theory by Clayton P. Alderfer it takes the same principals of Maslows hierarchy theory but makes it simpler and puts more empathizes on the skills and format of the leaders. After you apply the three applications listed in the previous paragraph your company can fully commit to the three needs of the ERG theory. Do to the fact that Alderfer combined needs
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2) 3) 4) Maslow A.H. A Theory of Human Motivation Human Resource and Pesonnel Management ERG Theory Refinement to the Maslow Theory of Motivation Clear application to change leadership and management ERG Theory-Clayton P, Alderfer ERG Theory Maslows Hierarchy Theory

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that Maslow has into simpler steps. Since it allows you to do multiple needs or steps at once and you can skip around it can easily be adoptable to any work place (4). This is known as frustrationregression principle which ERG is known for (4). It also makes it a lot easier to please more than one employee at a time and going over all their different needs . For example you may not be able to met growth at one moment for a person but you can be able to give them the socialization they need along with the safety needs they desire can help you keep them and motivate them at that point and deal with growth at another time (4). Along with Maslow you can provide breaks, job security, working in groups, and find new growth and needs for your employees. Along with help of the three applications to help you communicate and change your leadership style for the best so you can provide what is needed to succeed. If you follow these steps and invest in using the application that where provide you have a chance of equipping yourselves to avoid the 70% failure rate that most employers face when it comes to their employees. Thats how it molds everything together and creates the perfect motivation theory. The advantage of using Alderfers ERG theory is the frustration-regression principle because it allows you to skip steps. Instead of going in order you can follow a lower level need and then go to strait to the higher need. Which allows the mangers to fulfill the need at once, keeping their employees happy and satisfied longer. It also comes with application needs that an employer can use to better themselves and the company. It doesnt just focuses on the needs and the ways to
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2) 3) 4) Maslow A.H. A Theory of Human Motivation Human Resource and Pesonnel Management ERG Theory Refinement to the Maslow Theory of Motivation Clear application to change leadership and management ERG Theory-Clayton P, Alderfer ERG Theory Maslows Hierarchy Theory

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better the employee it allows the employer to grow and push the envelope as well. It also provides a great framework for how to use motivation in the work place. It is also more consistent then Maslows theory because it puts the peoples needs above the steps and it includes there background along with what motivates them (2) . Those are the advantages of Alderfers ERG how its the best framework for ones company and how it is the best choice for a multi-cultural company. The disadvantages of using the ERG method is that its not as clear cut as Maslows. It doesnt help you know what needs the person would want to satisfy first (2). It is also held to a lot of ridicule in the business world because it is newer and hasnt lived up to the tests and qualifications as Maslows (2). Also you cant account for the behavior of people and what they might want to change or what will motivate them at a certain time. There are not a lot of disadvantages to using ERG but if you willing to fight for them and are determined to prove people wrong then this is the theory for you. When comparing the two you will notice there are some similarities in the way the needs of the certain levels are met. For instance the three levles of ERG and the middle levels of Maslows hierarchy over lap (5). For example the existence resembles physiological and safety needs in Maslows. Relatedness is the social and external esteem needs and the growth is that of selfactualization and internal esteem needs. Secondly they both model that they are hierarchical in the
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2) 3) 4) Maslow A.H. A Theory of Human Motivation Human Resource and Pesonnel Management ERG Theory Refinement to the Maslow Theory of Motivation Clear application to change leadership and management ERG Theory-Clayton P, Alderfer ERG Theory Maslows Hierarchy Theory

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fact that the lower levels have to be met in order to meet the high needs of the person (5). Those are the only two similarities you will find when you compare the two theories. When it comes to contrasting the two you will find a lot more like there usage of the hierarchical theory Maslow use a stricter method but Alderfer uses a lesser strict method but letting you chose what lower level need you want to use first or if you want to go lower to higher back to lower (2). ERG is more focused on doing what the individual needs and then perceives with its circumstances by focusing on more than one need at a time (2). Erg is also more workable and has a better explanation of its dynamics then Maslows (2). Also there leadership styles are different ERG requires them to realize the different needs of the people. ERG is also less rigid theory then Maslows. The frustration-regression principle also takes a bigger aspect on how they are different. Lastly there are three flexible and realistic changes that ERG has as for them changing their own circumstance, having their own perception of those circumstances, and lastly the leaders framing and communication of them are set (2). Lastly there is a wider range of observation to take place over Maslows. Maslows is more rigid and more demanding on the leaders to take charge and try to figure out what the individual wants will ERG lets them figure it out and communicate it to the employers. That is the difference you find between the two when you compare them.

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Maslow A.H. A Theory of Human Motivation Human Resource and Pesonnel Management ERG Theory Refinement to the Maslow Theory of Motivation Clear application to change leadership and management ERG Theory-Clayton P, Alderfer ERG Theory Maslows Hierarchy Theory

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The advantages and disadvantages of using one over the other really arent that much. The advantages of using ERG are that it is more employees based and is very open to change. Along with giving the mangers steps on how to change to the methods that are brought up in the theory. The disadvantage is that it is new and really hasnt provided itself in the business world yet. Advantages of Maslows hierarchy theory is that it has been proven for a long time and it is the stepping stone to ERG. It is also clearer to understand then ERG. The disavantage is that is rigid and it doesnt allow you to provide the needs of multiple people and back rounds. With all of this to consider I would chose the ERG method for my company because it uses the most proven method of a business with communication and it allows me to meet the needs of multiple employees at once. Just because I would rather use ERG doesnt mean its the best method to use. Both methods could be used in a non-union environment it just depends on the manager and the employees. Every company is different and every person acts differently. Most non-union companies hire cheap labor so they really dont care too much about their employees so they are more likely to use Maslows hierarchy theory. Some are white collar companies and they care about their workers so the newer ones will use ERG or the ones looking for change but there could be a mom and pop shop that still use Maslow. So it really depends on the company and situations. Thats how both are used in a non-union environment its all about the company and what they want to get out of their employees.
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2) 3) 4) Maslow A.H. A Theory of Human Motivation Human Resource and Pesonnel Management ERG Theory Refinement to the Maslow Theory of Motivation Clear application to change leadership and management ERG Theory-Clayton P, Alderfer ERG Theory Maslows Hierarchy Theory

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After going through all the needs and wants of your company, the best way to get through to your employees. The best one to use if you want to get anything out of your employees in sometimes the worse situation is the ERG method. It lets you get a good leadership and communication with your employees. Along with applying them in a easy three step application method. Also it lets you get the needs of more than one employee and makes for a happy company and employees. Also it is less rigid and allows you to mold it to what the aspects of what your company needs. Thats why the ERG theory by Alderfer is the best option a non-union manger can go with because of how it allows you to become one with the employees and there needs. Those are the two motivation methods used in the business world today. How ERG and Maslows hierarchy are used and most importantly how they are used. Also there are, advantages and disadvantages. Along with how they are compared and contrasted along with the advantages and disadvantages of using them in a real business environment. How they are used in a non-union environment and which one I think should be used. How ERG is the best to use in a non-union environment.

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Maslow A.H. A Theory of Human Motivation Human Resource and Pesonnel Management ERG Theory Refinement to the Maslow Theory of Motivation Clear application to change leadership and management ERG Theory-Clayton P, Alderfer ERG Theory Maslows Hierarchy Theory

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Bibliography
Maslow A.H. A Theory of Human Motivation Brooklyn College Philosophical Library 1970
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Aswathappa K Human Resource and Pesonnel Management pg362-379 Mcgraw-Hill

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Maslow A.H. A Theory of Human Motivation Human Resource and Pesonnel Management ERG Theory Refinement to the Maslow Theory of Motivation Clear application to change leadership and management ERG Theory-Clayton P, Alderfer ERG Theory Maslows Hierarchy Theory

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