1.4.4 Motivation in theory and practice Flashcards
What are the 4 motivation theories?
Maslow - Hierarchy of needs
Mayo - Human relations
Herzberg - Two-factor theory
Taylor- Scientific management
List Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
Self actualisation
Esteem needs
Love + belonging
Protection from harm
Psychological needs
List 3 advantages of Maslow’s theory
Simple to understand
Acknowledges human nature
Can be applied in all fields
List 2 disadvantages of Maslow’s theory
Ignores different cultures + social backgrounds
Fails to take into account that people may be motivated by intrinsic rewards
Explain Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
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
Explain Herzberg’s two-factor theory
Believed that there are two factors to motivation. Motivators - if present, motivation rises and hygiene factors - if not present, de-motivation occurs
List 3 motivators from Herzberg’s theory
Achievement
Recognition
Responsibility
Challenge
Promotion
Growth
List 3 hygiene factors from Herzberg’s theory
Company policy
Supervision
Co-workers
Relations - boss
Work conditions
Job security
Pay + benifits
What is an advantage of Herzberg’s theory?
Direct focus on employees motivation levels
Considers beyond extrinsic factors
List 2 disadvantages of Herzberg’s theory
Can be difficult to distinguish between motivation + hygiene factors
Explain Mayo’s 3-part study
- 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
What did Mayo conclude from his study?
Changes in conditions and financial rewards had little or no impact on productivity. Increases in output mainly due to greater cohesion and communication
Give an example of Mayo’s theory
McDonald’s picnics and parties for employees so they feel part of the family
State 2 disadvantages of Mayo’s theory
Assumes everyone has the same goals
Assumes communication will bring people together
What is the main aim of Taylor’s theory?
To reduce the inefficiency of workers and managers
What did Taylor believe?
Staff motivated by money - ‘fair days pay for a fair days work’
Piece rate
Where did Taylor implement his methods?
Bethlehem Steel Works in USA - found the best way to do each job and designed incentives
List the first 4 parts of Taylor’s method
- Pick a dozen skilled workers
- Observe them at work
- Time each element with a stop watch
- Eliminate elements of the job that add nothing to the completion of the task
List the last 4 parts of Taylor’s method
- Choose the quickest method to complete the task
- Teach the worker the sequence and not to deviate from this
- Include time for rest
- Supervise workers during the day
List 4 disadvantages of Taylor’s theory
Alienation - no teamwork
Led to the drive for unionisation
Boredom
Lack of creativity
What will happen if a workers needs are not satisfied
Will not be motivated to work - companies will not get full potential out of employees
Name 5 financial incentives to improve staff performance
Piecework
Commission
Bonuses
Profit sharing
Performance related pay
Give 5 non-financial techniques to improve staff performance
Consultation
Empowerment
Flexible working
Job rotation
Job enlargement
