Final answer:
Theories that explain how employees choose behaviors to meet their needs are referred to as process theories. These theories, such as Albert Bandura's concept of self-efficacy and Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, focus on the cognitive processes that influence motivation and behavior in the workplace.
Step-by-step explanation:
Theories that explain how employees select behaviors that allow them to meet their needs are known as process theories. These theories focus on the psychological and cognitive processes that affect motivation and include the understanding of self-efficacy, which is an individual's belief in their ability to complete tasks and set future goals. Albert Bandura's work on self-efficacy is a significant contribution to this area of study.
Additionally, motivations such as the need for achievement, affiliation, and intimacy, as discussed by researchers like McAdams, Constantian, and Murray, inform these theories. An important model related to understanding basic biological drives and social motives is Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, highlighting the progression from basic survival needs to self-actualization.