Motivation refers to the intensity, direction, and persistence of effort toward attaining a goal. Early theories of motivation include Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory, X and Y theory, and Herzberg's two-factor theory. Maslow's theory proposes that people are motivated to fulfill basic needs like food and shelter before pursuing higher needs like esteem and self-actualization. McGregor's X and Y theory describes authoritarian vs. participative management styles. Herzberg's two-factor theory distinguishes between motivators like achievement that drive satisfaction and hygiene factors like salary that prevent dissatisfaction. Contemporary theories of motivation expanded on these early concepts.