Write 5 pages with APA style on Motivation in an Economic Downturn

. The needs of the employee may not always be apparent, but through using techniques that are designed to stimulate needs while still maintaining the restricted needs of the company, employee output can be increased so that the quality of work is maintained.

McClelland’s Acquired Need Theory suggests that there are three primary needs that will motivate an employee toward greater work output. The first need is the need for achievement. This need is identified by the need to continue to attain higher levels of success through challenges that create a high standard, master complex tasks or provide an opportunity to surpass others. The second need is identified as the need for affiliation. This need is based upon a socialization need whereby the employee can form personal relationships, diminish conflicts, and be able to establish a warm friendship within the workplace. The third and final need that David McClelland designated is that of the need for power. This need is defined by responsibilities, control, and authority through influence or designation.

In a poor economy it is difficult to provide these motivations for employees when a company is struggling to stay afloat. Basic ways in which a company will most often provide these incentives, through advancement and monetary reward, may no longer be feasible. In fact, it is possible that an employee will feel as if their motivations are being disintegrated and his or her potential within that position is no longer attainable. According to Clutterbuck employee motivation is “ a fragile flower that needs nurturing” and it is “hard to get even short termed results out of a dissatisfied workforce”.