theory

(noun)

A coherent statement or set of ideas that explains observations or phenomena or that sets out the laws and principles of something known or observed; a hypothesis confirmed by observation, experiment.

Related Terms

Examples of theory in the following topics:

  • Managerial Assumption: McGregor

    • McGregor's main theory is comprised of Theory X and Theory Y.
    • Theory Y is in line with behavioral management theories.
    • Theory Y managers are generally the opposite.
    • McGregor was a lifetime proponent of Theory Y.
    • Explain Douglas McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y approach, merging classical and behavioral organizational theories

  • Drive Theory

  • Four Theories of Leadership

    • Theories of effective leadership include the trait, contingency, behavioral, and full-range theories.
    • Experts have proposed several theories, including the trait, behavioral, contingency, and full-range models of leadership.
    • Behavioral theory also incorporates B.F.
    • The four major components of the theory, which cover the full range of essential qualities of a good leader, are:
    • The father of behavioral theory showed the connection between behaviors and reward and punishment.

  • Perspectives on Motivation

    • Theories of motivation are of course rooted in psychology.
    • There are two main cognition-oriented theories: equity theory and expectancy theory.
    • Equity Theory is based on the basic concept of exchange.
    • Essentially, Expectation Theory and Equity Theory demonstrate the value of rewarding an employee's investment of time and effort with appropriate compensation.
    • Frederick Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory is the most well known of the job-oriented theories, despite the fact that it has not been supported by empirical evidence.

  • Why Study Organizational Theory?

    • Organizational theory studies organizations to identify how they solve problems and how they maximize efficiency and productivity.
    • Organizational theory then uses these patterns to formulate normative theories of how organizations function best.
    • Correctly applying organizational theory can have several benefits for both the organization and society at large.
    • Organizational theory examines patterns in meeting stakeholders' needs.
    • Define the value and applications of organizational theory from a business perspective.

  • Equity Theory

    • Equity theory explains the relational satisfaction in terms of fair or unfair distribution of resources within interpersonal relationships.
    • Equity theory attempts to explain relational satisfaction in terms of perceptions of fair or unfair distributions of resources within interpersonal relationships.
    • Regarded as one of many theories of justice, equity theory was first developed in 1963 by John Stacey Adams.
    • Equity theory focuses on determining whether the distribution of resources is fair to both relational partners.
    • Much like other prevalent theories of motivation, such as Maslow's hierarchy of needs, equity theory acknowledges that subtle and variable individual factors affect individuals' assessment and perception of their relationship with their relational partners.

  • Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory

    • Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory states that certain factors cause job satisfaction and other factors cause dissatisfaction.
    • Frederick Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory, also known as Motivation-Hygiene Theory or intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation, concludes that there are certain factors in the workplace that can cause job satisfaction and a separate set of factors that can cause dissatisfaction.
    • Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory, McClelland's Need Theory, and Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs all talk about higher-level psychological needs such as achievement, recognition, responsibility, and advancement.
    • The key factor that differentiates Two-Factor Theory is the idea of expectation.
    • Analyze Frederick Herzberg's perspective on motivating employees through his Two-Factor Theory (also known as Motivation-Hygiene Theory)

  • Alderfer's ERG Theory

    • Alderfer's ERG theory, based on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, outlines three core needs: existence, relatedness, and growth.
    • Clayton Paul Alderfer (b. 1940) is an American psychologist who further developed Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs into his own ERG Theory.
    • ERG Theory posits that there are three groups of core needs: existence (E), relatedness (R), and growth (G)—hence the acronym "ERG."
    • Discuss Clayton Alderfer's ERG Theory relative to employee needs and motivation within an organization

  • Job Characteristics Theory

    • The Job Characteristics Theory is a framework for identifying how job characteristics affect job outcomes.
    • The theory states that there are five core job characteristics:
    • Analyses of studies of the model provide some support for the validity of the Job Characteristics Theory.
    • The Job Characteristics Theory uses this equation to estimate the overall motivation inherent in a job design based upon the five core characteristics.
    • Analyze the core characteristics, psychological states, and work outcomes in the Job Characteristics Theory, as identified by Hackman and Oldham

  • McClelland's Need Theory

    • Psychologist David McClelland developed Need Theory, a motivational model that attempts to explain how the needs for achievement, power (authority), and affiliation affect people's actions in a management context.
    • Need Theory is commonly often taught in management and organizational-behavior classes.
    • Need Theory does not claim that people can be categorized into one of three types.
    • Examine what McClelland's Need Theory proposes regarding motivating employees and fulfilling their needs