1. There are several theories that seek to explain what motivates employee performance and engagement. These include Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory, Herzberg's two-factor theory, McClelland's learned needs theory, and Lawrence and Nohria's four drives theory. 2. Expectancy theory proposes that motivation is influenced by the expectancies of effort leading to performance and performance leading to outcomes, as well as how valuable the potential outcomes are. 3. Equity theory suggests that employees are motivated by a sense of fair treatment and equitable exchange of contributions and outcomes compared to other employees. Feelings of inequity can decrease motivation.