Categorizing Employee Work Goals for Different Motivational Theories.

In this study, the popular models of work motivation, the intrinsic-extrinsic dichotomy and Maslow's need hierarchy, are empirically reexamined. A multidimensional technique enabling the simultaneous examination of the interrelationship among individual work-goals as well as the different need categories was explored. In general, both models were validated, with two main exceptions: first, the opportunity for higher earning was not found to be clearly associated with either extrinsic or intrinsic needs; and second, Maslow's two higher needs, ego and self-actualization, although separately clustered, were similarly ordered in respect to lower level needs.