Other theorists looked at different aspects of worker motivation and conducted
research on the behavior of individuals under differing circumstances.
In simple terms, contemporary motivation theory seeks to explain voluntary,
goal directed behavior. There are a variety of models that emphasize different aspects of motivation: human needs (e.g., Herzberg 1968; McClelland
1985; Maslow 1943); an individual’s expectations, skills, and desires (Vroom
1964); goal setting (Locke 1978); perceptions of equity and fairness (Adams
1963); opportunities for participation (Lawler 1990); and motivation based
on public service values and norms (Perry and Wise 1990).