MoTiVaTiOn 2...

The difference between a content theory and a process theory is quite simple... content theories tend to consist of attributes within an individual that encourage motivation to carry out certain activities, whereas process theories tend to consist of how the motivation process is implemented and gives quite a close view on the progression of the progress, analysis of motivation levels.
‘Content theory of motivation is concerned with the internal factors that actuate human behaviour. Four of the most common content theories are...

·        Maslow's hierarchy of needs

·        Alderfer's ERG theory

·        Herzeberg's motivator-hygiene theory (Herzeberg's dual factors theory)

·        McClelland's learned needs or three-needs theory are some of the major content theories

Process theories definition:
‘A process of behaviour modification in which a subject is encouraged to behave in a desired manner through positive or negative reinforcement, so that the subject comes to associate the pleasure or displeasure of the reinforcement with the behaviour.’
Some examples of process theories are as follows:

·        Goal setting theory

·        Equity theory

·        Expectancy theory

The organization I have chosen is Argos, as I have a part time job within the company it is easy to access information. The following is a list of the different motivators that Argos offers tot heir staff as well as some incentives:

• A minimum of 24 days’ annual holiday, increasing with length of service
• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Life Assurance (x3 pensionable salary)
• Immediate Employee Discount of 10% on all Argos products

·        20% off at Homebase following 3 months service.
• 10% discount at Argos, Home store and more.
• Private Medical Insurance (BUPA) - grade specific
• Company Car - grade specific
• All Employee Share plan
• Staff Introduction Scheme (Bonus payment for successful introduction of candidate to the company)
• Retail Trust (Confidential support and advice on a range of issues)
• Lawline - legal advice for a nominal cost.
• EAP - Employee Assistance Programme
• Give As You Earn (Donate to charities tax free directly through payroll)
• Discount/Preferential Rates on various external schemes including – insurance and medical cover, holidays, days out, gym & fashion.
• Home Retail Group Childcare Scheme
• Voluntary Benefits Scheme has great discounts on top name brands, such as RAC, Thomas Cook, Legoland, Virgin, Boden, Fitness First & many more.

·        Good 2 great management training scheme.

·        Time and a half on Sundays

·        Over time rate

·        Argos smiles

The above are the benefits that Argos offers to their employees in order to encourage motivation and employee engagement when carrying out tasks at hand to their best of ability. Working within the organisation myself, I think that motivation levels closely relate to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, as the pay at Argos enables individuals to rent a shelter (house) for themselves it also provides its employees with good and clean working conditions. This is the lower stage of Maslow’s hierarchy: physiological needs, the second stage consists of safety needs, this is also easily fulfilled as Argos gives all it staff job security after their three month probation and all the individual has to do is carry out their job role to their best of ability. In regards to the social needs, the third stage of Maslow’s hierarchy these are also fulfilled management n each area is all closely knit which allows them to organise work nights out once a month every month so employees can form good interpersonal relationships, also so they can get to know each other away from work which forms a friendlier and familiar working environment. Esteem needs are also met in Argos as there is immediate recognition of even attempting to meet your target on a daily basis and briefing before and after your shift which keep and employee on track as to where they are going and whether they are exceeding/meeting their targets or if they are far off meeting their targets. Self actualization needs involve acknowledgment that if your job role is carried out to your full potential and targets are bring met and you are scoring high on mystery shops there are several opportunities to grasp to supervisors, Customer Service manager, Stock  Manager, Jewelery Manager and of course Store manager.
Concluding all my research that has been collated, it comes to my attention that there are both content and process theories that can contribute to motivating an individual, depending on each individual money, recognition, or just being valued can be considered as a motivational techniques. I also found that I am able to relate my motivation levels in Argos closely to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, I found that I am already at the self actualization stage of the hierarchy s my job title is Jewelery supervisor,  and currently I am only a part time member of the team due to university studies.  


References:
http://www.speechmastery.com/content-theory-of-motivation.html

http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Two-Process+theory