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QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE RELATIONSHIP OF MCGREGOR AND

MASLOW'S THEORY OF MOTIVATION WITH EMPLOYEE

PRODUCTIVITY IN HARFIAH LAUNDRY

Harries Madiistriyatno

, Aulia Kusuma Wardani

, Anshori

Universitas Mitra Bangsa, Jakarta, Indonesia

1,3

STIA Menara Siswa, Bogor, Indonesia

harries.madi@gmail.com

, auliakusuma1997@gmail.com

, anshor230580@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

This research aims to analyze the qualitative relationship between McGregor and Maslow's motivation

theories and employee productivity at Laundry Harfiah, a service company in the field of electronic

equipment production. In background, research highlights the importance of motivation in increasing

employee productivity and company success. McGregor's motivation theory (theories X and Y) and

Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory are the focus for understanding and implementing in human

resource management. The research was conducted using a qualitative approach and case study

method, with research participants in the form of five Harfiah Laundry employees who had worked for

at least one year. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, direct observation, and document

analysis related to the application of motivation theory in companies. The research results show that

Literal Laundry has successfully implemented McGregor and Maslow's motivation theories in human

resource management. McGregor's theory is realized through policies that give employees the freedom

to determine work schedules and participate in decision making. Meanwhile, Maslow's theory is

applied through adequate salaries and benefits as well as training programs to meet the needs and self-

actualization of employees. The positive relationship between the application of motivation theory and

employee productivity is clearly visible, where motivated employees work better. Factors such as

organizational culture, leadership, and employee involvement in decision making also influence the

implementation of employee motivation and productivity. The conclusion of this research is that the

application of McGregor and Maslow's motivation theory at Harfiah Laundry has a positive impact on

employee productivity. Recommendations for companies include strengthening an organizational

culture that supports employee motivation, increasing employee engagement, providing recognition for

hard work, and continuing research for further understanding. Future research can use a quantitative

approach and involve more companies and other variables to deepen understanding of the relationship

between employee motivation and productivity.

Keywords: The Relationship of McGregor and Maslow's Theories of Motivation; employee

productivity; Harfiah Laundry

INTRODUCTION

Motivation is an important factor in increasing employee productivity in a company.

Motivated employees will perform better and contribute more positively to the achievement of

company goals (Nadarajah et al., 2012; Williamson, 1986). Therefore, many companies are striving

to understand motivational theories in order to effectively implement them in human resource

management (Jackson et al., 2014; Shah et al., 2021).

In the theory of motivation, there are two theories that are quite famous, namely

McGregor and Maslow's theory of motivation (1943; Turabik & Baskan, 2015). McGregor's theory

of motivation is known as theory X and theory Y, while Maslow's theory of motivation is

known as Maslow's hierarchy of needs. These two theories have different approaches but both

focus on employee motivation (Mansaray, 2019).

Harfiah Laundry as a service company engaged in the production of electronic equipment

also understands the importance of employee motivation (Ramlall, 2004). Therefore, Harfiah

Laundry seeks to understand and implement theories of motivation in human resource

management. However, it is not clear what the relationship between McGregor and Maslow's

theory of motivation and employee productivity at Harfiah Laundry.

Qualitative Analysis of The Relationship of Mcgregor And Maslow's Theory of Motivation with

Employee Productivity in Harfiah Laundry

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Problem Formulation Based on the background above, the following problem can be

formulated: How do McGregor and Maslow's motivation theories relate to employee

productivity in Literal Laundry?

The purpose of this study was to qualitatively analyze the relationship between McGregor

and Maslow's theory of motivation with employee productivity in Literal Laundry. In this study,

the author will analyze how Literal Laundry implements McGregor and Maslow's motivational

theories in human resource management as well as the extent to which the implementation of

those theories has an impact on employee productivity in Literal Laundry.

Research Benefits This research is expected to provide benefits for Literal Laundry in

increasing employee productivity through the implementation of McGregor and Maslow's

motivational theories in human resource management. In addition, this research is also expected

to be a reference for other companies that want to implement motivation theories in human

resource management to increase employee productivity (Bartol, 1991; Jiang et al., 2012).

RESEARCH METHOD

Research Approach This research uses a qualitative approach with a case study method.

The qualitative approach was chosen because the purpose of this study was to understand in

depth the relationship between McGregor and Maslow's motivation theory with employee

productivity in Literal Laundry. The case study method was chosen because this research was

focused on one company and wanted to see in detail how the implementation of motivation

theory in that company (De Massis & Kotlar, 2014; Nurakhim et al., 2023).

Research Participants The study participants were employees at Harfiah Laundry who had

worked for at least one year. A total of 5 participants were interviewed by purposive sampling.

Data Collection Data was collected through in-depth interviews with research

participants. Interviews are conducted face-to-face with structured question guidance tailored to

research objectives. In addition, data are also collected through direct observation in the field

and analysis of documents related to the implementation of motivation theory in companies

(Jaya, 2020).

Data Analysis The collected data is analyzed qualitatively using thematic analysis

techniques. This technique involves data collection, data recording, data classification, data

interpretation, and data presentation. The results of the analysis will be linked to McGregor and

Maslow's motivation theory to understand the relationship between motivation theory and

employee productivity in Harfiah Laundry (Andjarwati, 2015).

The validity of research is obtained through several means. First, internal validity is

obtained by triangulating data through interviews, observation, and document analysis. Second,

external validity is obtained through checking research results with related parties in the

company (Leavitt et al., 1989). Third, the validity of reliability is obtained by conducting audit

trail techniques in data collection and analysis (Jogiyanto Hartono, 2018).

Research Ethics This research follows research ethics principles such as maintaining the

confidentiality of participants' identities, obtaining informed consent from participants, and

ensuring no conflicts of interest occur during the research. In addition, this research has also

received approval from Harfiah Laundry before being carried out.

Qualitative Analysis of The Relationship of Mcgregor And Maslow's Theory of Motivation with 
Employee Productivity in Harfiah Laundry 
 
 
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RESULT AND DISCUSSION 
Characteristics of Research Participants Of the 5 research participants, consisting of 3 
men and 2 women. All participants have worked in Harfiah Laundry for at least one year. The 
average age of participants was 30 years with an age range between 25-40 years. Participants 
also  had  different  educational  backgrounds,  from  high  school  education  to  undergraduate 
education (Mantara et al., 2022). 
Implementation of McGregor and Maslow's Theory of Motivation in  Harfiah Laundry 
The results showed that Literal Laundry has implemented McGregor and Maslow's theory of 
motivation in  increasing employee  productivity. McGregor's  theory  of motivation  is applied 
through  a  clear  division  of  duties  and  responsibilities  and  gives  employees  autonomy  in 
determining how they  work  (Chiniara &  Bentein, 2016).  While Maslow's motivation theory  is 
applied through providing employees with basic needs such as recognition for their hard work, 
opportunities for career development, and a conducive work environment  (Green et al., 2017; 
Nkuda, 2017). 
The Relationship of Motivation Theory with Employee Productivity The results showed 
a positive relationship between the application of McGregor and Maslow's motivation theory 
with  employee  productivity  in  Harfiah  Laundry.  The  application  of  McGregor's  motivation 
theory helps increase employee productivity by providing clear responsibilities and providing 
autonomy in determining how they work. While the application of Maslow's motivation theory 
helps  increase  employee  productivity  by  providing  recognition  for  their  hard  work, 
opportunities for career development, and a conducive work environment (Noor & Mohammed, 
2016). 
Factors Influencing the Implementation of Motivation Theory The results showed that 
there  were  several  factors  that  influenced  the  implementation  of  McGregor  and  Maslow's 
motivation theory in Harfiah Laundry. These factors include organizational culture, leadership, 
and  employee  involvement  in  decision-making  (Williams  et  al.,  2015).  An  organizational 
culture that supports the effective application of motivation and leadership theory in facilitating 
the implementation of motivation theory also contributes to increased employee productivity. 
A limitation of this research is the use of the case study method which is only focused on 
one company. In addition, this study also uses a qualitative approach so that the results of the 
study cannot be generalized to a wider population (Azhari et al., 2023). 
Implications  and  Suggestions  The  implication  of  this  study  is  the  importance  of 
implementing motivation theory in increasing employee productivity. The suggestion from this 
study is that Literal Laundry can continue to strengthen organizational culture that supports the 
application of motivation theory (Sukiyat, 2020). 
CONCLUSION 
Based  on  the  results  of  the  study,  it  can  be  concluded  that  the  implementation  of 
McGregor and Maslow's motivation theory in Harfiah Laundry has a positive relationship with 
employee  productivity.  The  application  of  McGregor's  motivation  theory  helps  increase 
employee  productivity  by  providing  clear  responsibilities  and  providing  autonomy  in 
determining  how  they  work.  While  the  application  of  Maslow's  motivation  theory  helps 
increase employee productivity by providing recognition for their hard work, opportunities for 
career development, and a conducive work environment. 
Factors  such  as  organizational  culture  that  supports  the  effective  application  of 
motivation theory and leadership in facilitating the implementation of motivation theo    ry also 
contribute to increased employee productivity in Harfiah Laundry. 
 
 

Qualitative Analysis of The Relationship of Mcgregor And Maslow's Theory of Motivation with 
Employee Productivity in Harfiah Laundry 
 
 
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