6.4 - Improving motivation and engagement

Question 1

What is Taylor’s Theory on Motivation?

Answer 1

Taylor called his approach piece-rate pay and found that if employees were paid more for being more productive, they would, in turn, become more motivated and engaged with their job as there was an opportunity for employees to increase the amount they earnt.
For example, a factory may pay its employees £2 for every complete unit produced, or £1 for every item added to a product on an assembly line.

Question 2

Advantages and disadvantages to taylors theory.

Answer 2

Advantages of Taylor’s theory
Taylor’s theory may improve productivity which means a business can reduce its costs by employing fewer employees.

Disadvantages of Taylor’s theory
Taylor’s theory means that employees may rush during the production process leading to mistakes and errors.
Taylor’s theory means that employees may become bored with completing the same task over and over again.

Question 3

What is Maslow’s theory on motivtion?

Answer 3

Hierarchy of needs
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs provides five categories of needs which a business must cater to if its employees are to be as engaged and motivated as possible.

TOP
Self actualisation 
Esteem
Social needs/love and belonging 
Safety 
Physiological needs

Question 4

Advantages and disadvantages of Maslow’s theory of motivation?

Answer 4

Advantages
Maslow’s hierarchy offers businesses with a structured approach to try and improve employee motivation.

Disadvantages
Maslow’s hierarchy assumes that employees will place the same importance on each of their needs as ordered within the hierarchy and this may not apply to all staff.

Question 5

What is Herzberg’s theory on motivation?

Answer 5

Herzberg’s theory suggests two groups of factors which impact upon an employee’s motivation.

Hygiene factors
Herzberg states that a business should offer hygiene factors, such as safe working conditions, pay, relationships, and clear policies.
According to Herzberg, offering hygiene factors will not motivate employees but will stop them from becoming demotivated.

Motivatiing factors
Herzberg states that a business should offer motivating factors, such as opportunities for recognition, achievement, and responsibility.
According to Herzberg, offering motivating factors will motivate employees.

Question 6

Advantages and disadvantages of Herzberg’s theory on motivation/

Answer 6

Advantages
Herzberg’s theory offers businesses with a structured approach to try and improve employee motivation.

Disadvantages
Herzberg’s theory assumes that employees will place the same importance on each of the hygiene and motivating factors as Herzberg did and this may not apply to all staff.

Question 7

Name three financialmethods of motivation.

Answer 7

Salary schemes
Paid commission
Performance-related pay

Question 8

Name three non-financial methods of motivation.

Answer 8

Healthcare
Employees may be given access to free private healthcare as a non-financial method of motivation

Gym memberships
Employees may be given access to gym membership as a non-financial method of motivation.

Child care
Employees may be given access to free child care as a non-financial method of motivation.

Question 9

Name two internal factors which will influence the type of incentives a business provides for employees.

Answer 9

Employee preferences

The financial position of the business