3.6.4 Motivational Theories

Question 1

What does motivation refer to

Answer 1

Refers to the willingness to work and achieve goals and targets

Question 2

What is the basis of Frederick Taylor’s theory

Answer 2

• Focuses on efficiency and improved competitiveness
• people motivated solely by money
• Incentivise work with financial rewards
• improve efficiency through standardisation and the division of labour
• employees given elementary training and clear instructions on how to complete a task
• The application of Taylor’s principles reduces the need for as many workers as productivity is raised

Question 3

What is Frederick Taylor’s theory based on

Answer 3

Based on work study and improving productivity and efficiency in the workforce

Question 4

What is the basis of Elton mayos theory

Answer 4

• Informal work groups have positive influence on improving productivity
• Workers not simply motivated by money
• Social interactions outside of working hours are important
• Efficiency can be achieved through teams and team working
• Focuses on the needs of the employees not the needs of a business

Question 5

What is Elton mayos theory based on

Answer 5

Based on the fact that employees have social needs and these needs must be fulfilled through their work

Question 6

What are the five needs as suggested by Abraham Maslow

Answer 6

• Self actulization (Morality / creativity / acceptance)
• Self esteem (Confidence / achievement / respect of others)
• Love and belonging ( friendship / family / intimacy)
• Safety and security (health / employment / property)
• Psychological needs ( breathing / food / water)

Question 7

What is the basis of Maslows theory

Answer 7

• People are driven to achieve personal needs
• 5 levels people are motivated to achieve each level starting with psychological needs
• basic needs (psychological / safety) refers to those linked to survival
• Higer order needs (social, esteem and self actualisation) refers to needs within a social environment
• Individual cannot move up hierarchy until fulfilling needs below
• Business can motivate workers by giving them the opportunity to satisfy needs at work

Question 8

Identify 3 hygiene factors

Answer 8

Supervision
Salary
Security

Question 9

Identify 3 motivators

Answer 9

Advancement
Responsibility
Growth

Question 10

What happens when factors leading to dissatisfaction are optimal

Answer 10

Job dissatisfaction will be eliminated - These factors do not increase job satisfaction

Question 11

When good leadership practice/good manager relationship/clear direction/personal growth/advanamcent are optimal what does this allow the employee to achieve

Answer 11

Job satisfaction will be increased

Question 12

What is the value of Taylor’s theory

Answer 12

Focuses on productivity and efficiency although is against well being

Question 13

What is the value of mayos theory

Answer 13

Shows that social dimensions and interactions is designed to creat the greatest benefit for the workers and the business

Question 14

What is the value of maslows theory

Answer 14

Brings together other theories/encourages managers to provide workforce opportunities too fulfill their needs (Considers financial and non financial incentives of work)

Question 15

What is the value of Herzbergs theory

Answer 15

Considers dissatisfaction of workforce and what employers must do to prevent it. Employers must secure hygiene factors before they develop means to motivate employees

Question 16

How could a manager use motivational theory

Answer 16

Can provide useful framework managers can use to evaluate organisation policies, job design, pay and organisational structure.

Question 17

What are the differences between herzbergs and maslows theory

Answer 17

Maslow believed that people are motivated to achieve a hierarchy of needs and those needs are achieved in systematic order in all aspects of their life. Although Hertzberg also identified similar motivational factors as maslow, he identified that some factors, known as hygiene factors (similar to lower order needs identified by Maslow) did not in fact motivate employees but prevented demotivation if they weren’t sufficiently satisfied. Herzbergs motivators correspond to the High order needs indentified in maslows hierarchy.

Question 18

What are Salary schemes and what are its benefits and drawbacks

Answer 18

A set income based on the job and calculated as an annual fee

Benefits: easily comparable - appropriate where nature of the work is not time specific or hard to quantify

Drawbacks: not linked to performance. Little incentive to increase productivity

Question 19

What is meant by commission and what are its benefits and drawbacks

Answer 19

Commission is a bonus paid on achieving sale targets

Benefits: appropriate for sales jobs and incentive to increase sale revenue for the business

Drawbacks: focus taken away from other areas of the job such as customer service. Little attention to other aspects of the job which do not directly impact on commission earned

Question 20

What is piece rate pay and what are its benefits and drawbacks

Answer 20

Payments based on the number of units and output produced

Benefits: appropriate for production jobs. Incentives to increase output

Drawbacks: employees may ignore factors such as quality

Question 21

What is performance related pay (PRP) and what are its benefits and drawbacks

Answer 21

A salary or bonus scheme linked to job related targets. Targets and performance may be reviewed every 6 months or annually

Benefits: links pay to measurable targets specific to the nature of the job. Encourages review of employee performance

Drawbacks: can be expensive if larger proportion of workforce achieve their targets, some areas of performance can also be very subjective. Difficult to ensure PRP is fair across the organisation.

Question 22

What is profit sharing/bonus schemes and what are their benefits and drawbacks

Answer 22

Distributing a percentage of net profit across the workforce

Benefits: rewards linked to the overall success of the company

Drawbacks: depends on the profitability of the business

Question 23

What does Maslow say about financial methods for motivation

Answer 23

Will satisfy basic needs and may boost self esteem but will not satisfy higher needs

Question 24

What does Herzberg say about financial methods of motivation

Answer 24

Financial incentives are a hygiene factor and if satisfactory will only prevent dissatisfaction

Question 25

What does Taylor say about financial methods of motivation

Answer 25

The rational man is driven by financial reward

Question 26

What does mayo say about financial methods of motivation

Answer 26

Financial incentives are irrelevant if an employees social needs are not met