Lesson Plan

• Describe the core principles of Maslow’s, Herzberg’s, McClelland’s and Vroom’s motivation theories.
• Explain how each theory can be translated into specific business practices.
• Analyse a case study to identify which motivation methods are being used.
• Design a brief motivation initiative that incorporates at least two theories.
• Evaluate the potential impact of motivation strategies on employee performance.

• Projector and laptop for slides
• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed handouts summarising the four theories
• Case‑study worksheet (ABC Retail)
• Sticky notes and pens for the opening activity
• Kahoot quiz access (or printed quiz)

Begin by asking students to write on a sticky note one factor that would motivate them in a part‑time job. After a few shares, link these ideas to the concept that motivation drives performance and that managers must understand underlying theories. Explain that today they will identify key motivation models, see how they operate in real businesses, and create their own motivation plan.

1. Do‑now (5 minutes): Sticky‑note activity on personal motivators.
2. Mini‑lecture (10 minutes): Overview of Maslow, Herzberg, McClelland, and Vroom with slide deck.
3. Guided analysis (15 minutes): In pairs, examine the theory‑to‑practice comparison table and discuss examples; teacher checks understanding.
4. Case‑study work (20 minutes): Groups complete the ABC Retail worksheet, matching actions to theories and predicting outcomes.
5. Motivation plan design (10 minutes): Each group drafts a short initiative for a hypothetical retail store using two theories and prepares a 1‑minute presentation.
6. Check for understanding (5 minutes): Quick Kahoot quiz covering key concepts.

Recap the four motivation theories and how they can be operationalised in business settings. For the exit ticket, ask students to write one concrete motivation strategy they could implement in a future workplace and why it would work. Assign homework to research a real company’s motivation practices and prepare a brief report linking them to the theories covered.