To perform well, employees must be motivated. Social scientists have developed a variety of theories on motivation that can be useful to supervisors. Content theories of motivation focus on what things motivate workers. Abraham Maslow, David McClelland, and Frederick Herzberg are researchers whose content theories are well known. Process theories of motivation focus on the actual process of motivation and not specific motivators, such as money or power. Victor Vroom's expectancy-valence theory and B.F. Skinner's reinforcement theory are two major process theories.

Make a chart, diagram, matrix, or concept map which lists and briefly describes these theories. Include examples of how supervisors can apply each theory to the workplace.  Next identify and discuss ways supervisors can motivate their employees.