5 - Motivation, Performance & Job Satisfaction Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
1
Q

What is Motivation?

A

The force that energises people to act, directs behaviour toward the attainment of specific goals, and sustains effort expended in reaching those goals.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

List the types of motivation theories

A

Need Theories
Behaviour-Based Theories
Job Design Theories
Cognitive Theories

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

How does the need theory describe motivation and provide an example

A

Motivation is the process of the interaction among various needs and the drives to satisfy those needs

Example: Achievement Motivation Theory

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Explain Achievement Motivation Theory

A

Is a need theory of motivation

Three needs are central to worker motivation. Need for;
- achievement
- power
- affiliation
Everyone has different levels of these and can thus be motivated in different ways.

Well tested and led to useful interventions

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

How do behaviour-based theories describe motivation

A

Focus on behavioural outcomes as critical to affecting work motivation
Three types; reinforcement theory, extrinsic/intrinsic motivation, goal setting theory

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the Reinforcement Theory and what does it think the best way to motivate is?

A

Behaviour is motivated by its consequences

Through reinforcement as punishment can lead to resentment and anger.

Ratio schedules are the best (despite fixed interval being used commonly for $)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

In the extrinsic/intrinsic theory of motivation, which do they believe is more important in increasing motivation?

A

Intrinsic motivation is better but providing extrinsic rewards (i.e. money) can provide positive feedback.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is Goal Setting Theory of Motivation?

A

Emphasises the setting of specific and challenging performance goals.

People perform better and are more productive when they have specific goals and clear standards for success and failure. Even better when they set their own goals.

Goals should be difficult, but obtainable

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

How do Job Design Theories of motivation believe it is influenced?

A

The structure and design of a job are key in motivating workers.

E.g. Job Characteristics Model

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is the Job Characteristics Model?

A

To be motivated employees must:

  • Perceive work to be meaningful
  • Feel responsible for the job
  • Have knowledge of the results of their effects.

5 job characteristics contribute to these states

  • Skill variety
  • Task identity
  • Task significance
  • Autonomy
  • Feedback

General support for this structure, lead to Job Enrichment intervention strategy, to redesign jobs.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

How do Cognitive Theories of Motivation perceive motivation and what are the types of theories?

A

Workers viewed as rational beings who cognitively assess personal costs and benefits before taking action.
Two types; equity and expectancy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Describe the Equity Theory of motivation

A

Workers are motivated by a desire to be treated fairly

The ratio between inputs and outcomes should be the same for all workers. Workers adjust productivity based on perceived comparison ratios.

People vary in concern for equity; benevolents (givers), entitleds (takers), equity sensitives (adhere to notions strictly, distressed when underpaid, guilty overpaid).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Describe Expectancy (VIE) Theory of motivation

A

People are rational decision makers who analyse the benefits and costs of the possible courses of action.

Motivation and productivity are increased when;

  • Valence: the rewards are valuable and desirable
  • Instrumentality: their performance will be recognised and rewarded.
  • Expectancy: their effort will result in improved performance

Predicts worker attendance and productivity
Various incentive programs are thus used to motivate by reward.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

How many factors affect performance?

A

Not just motivation,

System and technology, individual differences, group dynamics, organisational

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What are Performance Appraisals?

A

The evaluation of an employee and communication of the result to that person.

Performance criteria are derived from job analysis. and are typically subjective

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What are sources of performance ratings?

A
Supervisor ratings
Self-evaluations
Peer evaluations
Subordinate evaluations
Customer evaluations
360-degree evaluations
17
Q

What are some issues with performance appraisals?

A
  • Leniency/severity/central tendency errors
  • Halo effects
  • Contrast effects
  • Causal attribution errors
  • Personal biases
18
Q

How do we improve performance appraisals?

A
  • Making ratings shortly after observation
  • Taking careful notes
  • Using multiple raters
  • Training raters in necessary skills
  • Giving raters evaluation instruments up front
19
Q

What is performance feedback?

A

The process of providing information to a worker regarding performance level with suggestions for improving future performance

20
Q

What is effective performance feedback entail?

A
Lots of constructive information
E.g.
-Descriptive rather than evaluative
- Specific rather than general
- Appropriate
- Directed towards behaviour that the worker can do something about
- Timely
- Honest
- Understood by both parties
- Proactive and coactive
21
Q

What is job satisfaction?

A

The positive and negative feelings and attitudes employees hold about a job

22
Q

How can job satisfaction be measured?

A

Global approach or facet approach (specific job aspects)

Facet measured through; Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire or Job Descriptive Index
Both have high reliability and validity

23
Q

How are job satisfaction and on-the-job behaviour related?

A

Moderate positive correlation between job satisfaction and job performance.

  • High job satisfaction is related to prosocial behaviour. Prosocial behaviour is related to high job performance and productivity.
  • Lower job satisfaction is related to antisocial actions and counterproductive behaviours (poor service, theft, sabotage equipment) that may thwart organisational goals.
  • Job satisfaction and absenteeism are negatively correlated.
  • Low job satisfaction is related to higher rates of turnover.
24
Q

How do you increase job satisfaction?

A
  • Changes in job structure (job rotation, enlargement, enrichment)
  • Changing Pay-Structure (skill/pay for performance
  • Flexible Work Schedules (compressed/flextime)
  • Benefit Programs