A number of motivational theories have emerged in examining how a person can be encouraged to achieve goals that do not always coincide with his or her individual objectives.

There are two groups of such theories: substantive theories of motivation and procedural theories of motivation.

Containing theories of motivation

Containing theories Special attention is paid to the analysis of the underlying motivation. These include the theory of needs hierarchy A. Maslow, the theory of the acquired needs of McClland, the two-factor German theory and some others.

Basically, meaningful theories are close to each other. The main difference is the primary (Mallow) needs. McCleland considered that, generally, these needs for today ' s situation were already met, and the Germansberg thought that they were essential only when unjustly implemented. With regard to secondary needs (higher levels of motivation), despite differences in wording, all three authors of informative theories concurred in the view that they had an active impact on human behaviour.

The main disadvantages of this group of theories are that, in reality, needs are not strictly hierarchical, but are derived from many situational factors. However, the merit of those who have considered theories is that they have identified the needs as a factor of personal motivation and have attempted to classify the needs and establish their relationship. The classification of primary and secondary needs is supported by most modern researchers, but there is still no commonly accepted classification.

Procedural theories of motivation

Procedural theories of motivation Consider the problem from a different perspective. They do not reject the motivating role of needs, but focus on making people work to achieve goals. Procedural theories include the theory of V. Wrum, Porter-Lowler ' s theory of justice, the “X” and “Y” D. McGregor and others.