Who is recognized for proposing the most widespread motivational theory?

Abraham Maslow is recognized for proposing the most widespread motivational theory, famously known as Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. This theory outlines a pyramid of human needs, starting from the most basic physiological requirements and moving up to safety, love and belonging, esteem, and finally, self-actualization. Maslow suggested that individuals are motivated to fulfill these needs in a specific order, meaning that higher-level needs can only be pursued once lower-level needs have been satisfied. This framework has been widely adopted in various fields, including psychology and management, making it one of the most influential theories on motivation.

The other theorists mentioned have also contributed significantly to understanding motivation in the workplace but do not encompass a theory as universally recognized or foundational as Maslow's. For instance, Herzberg developed the Two-Factor Theory, which focuses on job satisfaction, while McGregor introduced Theory X and Theory Y, which explains different managerial styles and their effects on employee motivation. Elton Mayo is known for the Hawthorne Studies, which highlighted the importance of social relations in the workplace rather than directly addressing motivational needs in the hierarchical sense proposed by Maslow.