Can the classical motivation theories deliver the goods?
But will the classical motivation theories and associated techniques alone adequately support the commercial/IT/HRM strategies of the 1990s? We believe they will not. Our concern is caused by the level and pace of change associated with information technology. Future career choices and requirements for new skills in the rapidly changing FT environment will demand that more emphasis is placed on understanding who a person really is – the identification of each person’s ‘basic design’. Although people are adaptable, the new roles are stressing different sets of aptitudes and attitudes for technical and commercial personnel. Motivation ‘profiles’ will have to be developed for each employee which relate the individual’s range of aptitudes and attitudes to the requireÂments of the new roles. Our line management and consultancy experience confirms that the need to change, to take on new concepts and even abandon technologies acclaimed only months before, is part of most FT careers. The chang
