1.4.4 Motivation in theory and practice

Question 1

What are the 4 motivation theories?

Answer 1

Maslow - Hierarchy of needs
Mayo - Human relations
Herzberg - Two-factor theory
Taylor- Scientific management

Question 2

List Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

Answer 2

Self actualisation
Esteem needs
Love + belonging
Protection from harm
Psychological needs

Question 3

List 3 advantages of Maslow’s theory

Answer 3

Simple to understand
Acknowledges human nature
Can be applied in all fields

Question 4

List 2 disadvantages of Maslow’s theory

Answer 4

Ignores different cultures + social backgrounds
Fails to take into account that people may be motivated by intrinsic rewards

Question 5

Explain Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

Answer 5

Classified needs of employees into various categories
If used correctly - allow businesses to find out what the needs of individual staff are and suitable rewards to keep them motivated

Question 6

Explain Herzberg’s two-factor theory

Answer 6

Believed that there are two factors to motivation. Motivators - if present, motivation rises and hygiene factors - if not present, de-motivation occurs

Question 7

List 3 motivators from Herzberg’s theory

Answer 7

Achievement
Recognition
Responsibility
Challenge
Promotion
Growth

Question 8

List 3 hygiene factors from Herzberg’s theory

Answer 8

Company policy
Supervision
Co-workers
Relations - boss
Work conditions
Job security
Pay + benifits

Question 9

What is an advantage of Herzberg’s theory?

Answer 9

Direct focus on employees motivation levels
Considers beyond extrinsic factors

Question 10

List 2 disadvantages of Herzberg’s theory

Answer 10

Can be difficult to distinguish between motivation + hygiene factors

Question 11

Explain Mayo’s 3-part study

Answer 11

• The illumination study - believed that improving lighting conditions could result in higher productivity
• The relay assembly test room study - working women given various conditions in separate room e.g. changing start + finish times
• The interview programme - 20, 000 interview to find out more about attitudes and morale at work

Question 12

What did Mayo conclude from his study?

Answer 12

Changes in conditions and financial rewards had little or no impact on productivity. Increases in output mainly due to greater cohesion and communication

Question 13

Give an example of Mayo’s theory

Answer 13

McDonald’s picnics and parties for employees so they feel part of the family

Question 13

State 2 disadvantages of Mayo’s theory

Answer 13

Assumes everyone has the same goals
Assumes communication will bring people together

Question 14

What is the main aim of Taylor’s theory?

Answer 14

To reduce the inefficiency of workers and managers

Question 14

What did Taylor believe?

Answer 14

Staff motivated by money - ‘fair days pay for a fair days work’
Piece rate

Question 15

Where did Taylor implement his methods?

Answer 15

Bethlehem Steel Works in USA - found the best way to do each job and designed incentives

Question 16

List the first 4 parts of Taylor’s method

Answer 16

1. Pick a dozen skilled workers
2. Observe them at work
3. Time each element with a stop watch
4. Eliminate elements of the job that add nothing to the completion of the task

Question 17

List the last 4 parts of Taylor’s method

Answer 17

5. Choose the quickest method to complete the task
6. Teach the worker the sequence and not to deviate from this
7. Include time for rest
8. Supervise workers during the day

Question 18

List 4 disadvantages of Taylor’s theory

Answer 18

Alienation - no teamwork
Led to the drive for unionisation
Boredom
Lack of creativity

Question 19

What will happen if a workers needs are not satisfied

Answer 19

Will not be motivated to work - companies will not get full potential out of employees

Question 20

Name 5 financial incentives to improve staff performance

Answer 20

Piecework
Commission
Bonuses
Profit sharing
Performance related pay

Question 21

Give 5 non-financial techniques to improve staff performance

Answer 21

Consultation
Empowerment
Flexible working
Job rotation
Job enlargement