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Employee Motivation in It Firm

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Submitted By nikhilchat
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In an earlier interview I made brief reference to my use of the concepts of Maslow’s hierarchy in defining the organizational model and operating strategy for the organization I led at that time. I will expand further on this subject in today’s post
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Abraham Maslow first proposed his hierarchy of needs in a 1943 paper titled “ A Theory of Human Motivation.” Usually depicted as a pyramid, the hierarchy basically describes the fact that, in order for humans to reach their maximum potential, which Maslow defines as “self actualization,” certain basic psychological and physical needs must be met. These build upon each other beginning at the bottom of the pyramid with physiological needs (These include the most basic needs that are vital to survival, such as the need for water, air, food and sleep), and culminate at the apex of the pyramid with self-actualization (self-awareness, concern with personal growth, less concern with the opinions of others and interested fulfilling their potential). If you are not familiar with the theory see thislink for a good overview.

I have found that, in order for IT organizations to obtain the equivalent of self actualization, which I call “strategic innovation and partnership,’ certain basic “needs” must be met. Failure to do so will almost always prevent reaching the top of the pyramid. The overall concept is depicted in the accompanying graphic.
As one moves from the bottom to the top of the pyramid, the capabilities describe move from mostly tactical to mostly strategic, from commodity services to industry/company specific ones. Those at the bottom, because they tend to be more generic in nature, can be contracted out with a focus on the best quality of service for the best price. Those at the top are best performed by employees of the company who have deep knowledge of the company’s strategies, business model and goals

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