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CMA Foundation · Fundamentals of Business Economics and Management · Leadership and Motivation - Concepts and Theories

A manager at a Chennai firm says: 'Employees who cannot satisfy their growth needs become frustrated and then focus more on relatedness needs.' Which theory does this statement reflect, and which feature distinguishes it from Maslow's theory?

The statement reflects Alderfer's ERG theory, whose distinguishing feature is the frustration-regression process. When a person is frustrated in satisfying growth needs, attention returns to relatedness needs. Maslow's hierarchy has only satisfaction-progression upward and does not allow regression to lower needs.

  1. AAlderfer's ERG theory; it includes a frustration-regression processCorrect
  2. BHerzberg's theory; it separates hygiene from motivators
  3. CMcClelland's theory; it holds that needs are learned
  4. DAdams' equity theory; it compares input-output ratios

Explanation

Alderfer's ERG theory groups needs into existence, relatedness and growth and says that frustration at a higher level can push a person back to a lower need. Maslow's hierarchy only moves upward as needs are satisfied. The other theories do not describe frustration-regression.

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