Needs Theory
People are motivated at work to obtain outcomes for the fulfilment of their needs. A need is different from a want, needs are necessary for survival and is what is expected from an employer. Ultimate motivation will come from rewarding a worker with outcomes they want not only what they need when performance is above ordinary. Supplying basic needs when good work is demonstrated will not encourage the worker to continue their hard work for the same basic needs.
Maslow's Hierachy of Needs
Maslow's Hierarchy is most commonly displayed in a pyramid with most basic needs at the bottom to higher order needs at the top. This theory was originated by Abraham Maslow in the 1940-50's era and is still actively relevant and used today in the management of motivation amongst staff (Business Balls, 2014).
Physiological, Safety and Love/belonging are a need when it comes to modern day society. At St Andrew's teachers are provided with adequate pay for Physiological needs, also they are provided with safety through the level of job security teachers have compared to other professions, private schooling policies and safety within classes with students. Love and belonging is a part of the St Andrew's ethos ' Journey Together' and once you are hired at St Andrew's you are considered as part of the community. The school is very community orientated and there are endless possibilities to meet new people and create new relationships amongst co-workers, students, parents/guardians and other affiliates of the school. Managers should have a basic understanding of a teachers persona life so that they ensure teachers are acquiring these fundamental needs in their life and offer help if they are not.
Esteem and Self-actualization can not be offered but encouraged and nurtured. Many people struggle with achieving these values in life. St Andrew's provides a broad range of subjects and encourages individuals talents. Through recognition of achievements of ones specific talents increases esteem, especially when others within the school look up to them. If staff all reached the level of positive self-esteem, confidence and love and belonging would increase resulting in motivation to attend work and work hard. Self Actualisation is the hardest point to reach. It is accepting everything that comes your way and overcoming it without fret even when you do not like it. St Andrew's staff have to overcome situations on a daily basis with clashing passions and it is only through time and companionship that self actualisation can be applied within the workplace and co-workers. When this is achieved motivation is at its peak by knowing the one can overcome any situation without hassle, self-actualisation reinforces safety, loving/belonging and esteem.
Esteem and Self-actualization can not be offered but encouraged and nurtured. Many people struggle with achieving these values in life. St Andrew's provides a broad range of subjects and encourages individuals talents. Through recognition of achievements of ones specific talents increases esteem, especially when others within the school look up to them. If staff all reached the level of positive self-esteem, confidence and love and belonging would increase resulting in motivation to attend work and work hard. Self Actualisation is the hardest point to reach. It is accepting everything that comes your way and overcoming it without fret even when you do not like it. St Andrew's staff have to overcome situations on a daily basis with clashing passions and it is only through time and companionship that self actualisation can be applied within the workplace and co-workers. When this is achieved motivation is at its peak by knowing the one can overcome any situation without hassle, self-actualisation reinforces safety, loving/belonging and esteem.
David McClelland's Theory of needs
(Mind Tools, 2015)
This theory relates to teachers through their natural desire to teach students and achieve outcomes through their power to teach them not only academically but provide them with life lessons.
Achievement is rewarded through outcomes of inputs, intrinsically a teacher would achieve by a student excelling in their subject or the love of teaching, extrinsically a teacher would achieve when they get a pay rise, promotion, recognition etc. Affiliation is similar to the love/belonging of Maslow's Hierarchy but a more intense and close relationship is desired, most often with one or two individuals, St Andrew's have staff that are very loyal and have been working there for many years, over the course of time co-workers can get to know one another well and become close. A need for power for a teacher could be the control over a class or the teaching of life lessons onto the new generation. An example of life lessons teacher have demonstrated in St Andrews would be the Year 11 Pastrol Care program in term 2, where teachers organised students to attend and listen about safe driving and laws for when we begin to drive. Also, teachers may share anecdotes of what they have learnt in life to share their mistakes with students and allow for them to avoid making the same mistakes in the future.