An integrated theory of motivation

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A frequent observation of young engineers indicates that many of them are unhappy in their jobs. This is in spite of the numerous internal and external training programs attended by an increasing number of engineering and technical supervisors. Why do trained supervisors often fail in motivating young engineers? This paper proposes an existing interrelationship of three types of well known management theories and principles. These are: first, behavioral principles; second, structural theories; and third, systems theories. A significant deficiency in any of the three will greatly reduce the effectiveness of motivational efforts of supervisors. This is particularly true if the supervisor is trained in only one or two of the groups of theories and not in all three. The typical behavioral theories covered in this paper are those of Maslow, McGregor, Herzberg, Vroom, and Porter and Lawler. The structural concepts include: Jay Lorsch's “differentiation and integration”; Warren Bennis 's “adaptability and reciprocity”; the author's own “critical mass of resources principle”; and a new look at “span of control”. The typical procedural and systems theories discussed are: MBO, Likert's Systems — preferably System IV, and Mouton and Blake's Managerial Grid — especially the 9,9 position. In order for this sequence of theories to be effective, a progressive company policy which encourages the use of the theories is required. Specifically, a fair wage and salary system together with an effective merit review plan supports the implementation of each of the three groups of theories. The concluding hypothesis is that in order to sustain itself as a progressive, productive organization, an organization first must utilize behavioral theories, then must have a flexible, adaptive organization, and finally must have effective organization systems which involve the total organization. A fair wage and salary plan with a merit review system which rewards accomplishment acts as catalyst in supporting each group of systems and theories.