Edexcel Business A Level Revision

Hierarchy of needs - focuses on the psychological needs of employees. Maslow put forward a theory that there are five levels in a hierarchy of human needs that employees need to have fulfilled at work in order for employees to feel motivated . Self-actualisation - Fulfilling potential, being able to develop and be creative Self-esteem - Gaining respect and recognition for achievements, feeling competent Social needs - Communicating with colleagues, friendship, team-working and trust Safety needs - A safe working environment and job security Physical needs - Having enough money for the essentials. Being paid wages that enable employees to pay the bills. Maslow's pyramid starts at the base with the need for money to pay for essentials such as food and a home. Once the most basic needs are met, good working conditions become important. As each need is fulfilled, the employee moves up the pyramid to higher needs. CRITICISMS OF MASLOW'S THEORY Some jobs are ver...

Human relations approach - emphasises the importance of ways in which people interact and how they are treated. Motivation can improve when the employee feels more involved. Mayo believed that workers are not just concerned with money but could better motivated by having their social needs met whilst at work (something that Taylor ignored). The Human relations approach focused on managers taking more of an interest in the workers, treating them as people who have worthwhile opinions and realising that workers enjoy interacting together. Mayo concluded that workers are best motivated by: Better communication between managers and workers Greater manager involvement in employees working lives Working in groups or teams Better working conditions Psychological and social factors are more important in increasing productivity His theory most closely fits in with a paternalistic style of management. ADVANTAGES OF HUMAN RELATIONS APPROACH Workers are recognised and appreciat...