Abstract
Over the last 60 years, behavioral scientists have studied human motivation in depth. Several main school theories such as the Needs Theory (Maslow, McClelland, Herzberg) have merged and been well accepted. Most theories developed by Western researchers were on individuals, or individual employees. There was little research on what motivational needs were at work in a class of people, say owners of a certain industry. Purpose. It was the purpose of this study to determine which predominant Motivational Needs Theory is operating in the Chinese Printers in Southern California. Additionally, the study sought to seek the relative importance of the three Needs Theories and a new Oriental Need relating to Chinese immigrants with cultural traditions. Methodology. The methods chosen for the study were descriptive and ex post facto research. The study was designed to collect data which measure the needs levels among Chinese printing owners relative to the 14 needs representing the three Theories and an Oriental Need. Additionally, data were collected on demographic variables of company and personal backgrounds. The population surveyed/interviewed were owners of Chinese owned printing/graphic arts businesses. Findings and conclusions. t and F tests, and factor analysis were employed and determined that all three Theories and the Oriental Need exist (affecting the ownes) and are independent from one another. Herzberg's theory came as the most prominent one. Overall ranking of 14 motivating factors among four groups: affiliation, challenge, personal growth, achievement, physiological, esteem, control over fate, family obligation, recognition, social, security, wealth, self-actualization and power. The stereotypes of business people and Chinese owners in particular, were proven to be untrue. They do expand their businesses in times of economic uncertainty and value reward in such ventures, but they came to this country not for wealth but for the sake of younger generation. The change in needs may be caused by a combination of a higher level of education, acculturation and external social influences.