Motivation has been a major managerial issue for
decades. Since the second world war many researchers
have explored the area – Abraham Maslow, Frederick
Herzberg, Douglas MacGregor, Clayton Alderfer and
John Hunt to name but a few.
Much of what they found remains applicable and important
today. However, there have been changes in both individual
and organisational working practices, processes and
principles that have an effect upon the needs and views of
the 21st Century employee. These include the focus on
work-life balance, virtual working, home workers and the
increased focus on formal performance management
processes.