Content motivation theories are associated with concentrated view on the importance of identifying what motivates the employees. Content motivation theory is basically an earliest motivation theory that is also known as needs’ theory. Content motivation theory helps in determining what employee’s’ needs are and motivates them to fulfill all these needs. Content theory focuses on some important factors within individual that can be helpful to direct, energize and sustain individual.

Four content motivation theories are as follows:

1. Hierarchy of needs theory: It is basically a theory that suggests there are five interdependent levels for motivating individuals or employees that are essential to be satisfied starting from the lowest level. Physiological requirement to survival is to stay alive and reproduce. Security requirements are to feel safe that is considered as most pressing and fundamental needs. Social requirements are to love and belonging and self-esteem requirement is to feel worthy, have status and respected. Last stage self-actualization requirement is self-achievement and self-fulfillment.