Taxonomy Theory

Ten theories of Essentials of Organizational Behavior

Goal Setting Theory

In research on the goal-setting theory it means to more than you best. Goal-setting theory is designed to stretch your personal best to the next level (Robins & Judge). In an on-line article on (buzzle.com), Dr. Edwin Locke on "Toward a Theory of Task Motivation and Incentives” stated that clear goals and appropriate feedback motivates employees. Dr. Edwin goes on to say that when employees worked towards a goal, it spearheaded a major source of motivation within the employees to actually reach the goal. As a result, the final performance of the employee improves. Locke's study also threw light on the relationship between goals and performance. According to Dr. Locke’s study, it’s difficult to have better results and performance as compared to vague, randomly set or easy to do goals (Locke). The key to moving the dial on employee performance is goal-setting.

Leader-Member Exchange Theory

Leadership is one of the primary areas of study, research, and practice in I-O psychology. This module includes information on Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) theory. Leaders develop relationships with each member of the group they lead. LMX theory explains how the relationships with various members can develop in very different ways. (Dinesch)

Attribution Theory

Attribution theory suggest that when we observe an individual’s behavior, we attempt to determine whether it was internal or externally. Internally caused behaviors are believed to be controlled by the person not the environment. Externally caused, however, are those seen as results outside forces and not controlled by the person. (Robbins and Judge)

Hierarchy of Need Theory

This simple idea of Maslow's’ was a starting point for his theory of a hierarchy of needs. According to Maslow, the hierarchy of needs consist of five needs which are physiological needs, safety needs, love needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization...