Final answer:
Leaders can increase motivation by addressing Maslow's hierarchy of needs within their team and tailoring their approach to the individual needs of their followers. A workplace that fulfills basic to self-actualization needs is an example of this concept in action. Understanding each employee's desire for autonomy or structure is key in this relationship.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Motivation in Leadership
Leaders influence subordinates in various ways, with motivation being a crucial aspect of the leader-follower dynamic. According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, leaders can increase motivation by addressing the various levels of needs, from basic physiological needs to the higher psychological needs such as self-actualization. A real-world example of this could be a company that provides employees with competitive salaries and job security (addressing basic needs), health benefits (safety needs), opportunities for team collaboration (belongingness and love), recognition for achievements (esteem), and chances for personal and professional growth (self-actualization).
The Hawthorne effect highlights how employee performance improves with the attention and interaction they receive from researchers or supervisors. By fostering a sense of importance and awareness, leaders can effectively enhance their followers' work experience and productivity. Understanding the individual needs of each follower, whether they desire more autonomy or structure, is essential to tailoring leadership approaches that foster motivation and satisfaction within the team.