Theories of Employee Motivation There are many theories pertaining to Employee motivation. This blog will discuss the following theories of Motivation • Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory • Herzberg's two- factor theory Maslow's Hierarchy of needs theory Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a motivational theory in psychology comprising a five-tier model of human needs, often illustrated as hierarchical levels within a pyramid (McLeod, 2007) According to Maslow, employees have five levels of needs physiological, safety, social, ego, and self- actualising. Maslow argued that lower level needs had to be satisfied before the next higher level need would motivate employees. Figure 01 - Pyramid of Maslow’s Hierarchy Needs Theory ...