6.4a Motivational Theories

Question 1

Motivation definition

Answer 1

The will to work

Question 2

Advantages of a well motivated workforce

Answer 2

• Better productivity
• Better quality
• Lower levels of staff turnover

Question 3

Frederick Taylor beliefs

Answer 3

• “Workers are lazy, only motivated by money”
• Workers should be told exactly what to do based on time and motion studies
• Piece rates are best form of payment
• Tall, narrow and hierarchical structures
• Autocratic

Question 4

Disadvantages of Taylor

Answer 4

• Didn’t allow for people being different
• People considered machines
• Increased productivity leads to reduction in quality
• Fewer workers needed so workers worried about losing jobs

Question 5

How does Maslow’s theory work?

Answer 5

He has five levels of human needs which employees need to have fulfilled at work - once lower level of need is fully met, worker is motivated by opportunity of have next need up in hierarchy satisfied

Question 6

Maslow’s five levels of human needs

Answer 6

1. Self-actualisation - realising your full potential
2. Esteem - feeling content
3. Belongingness
4. Safety needs
5. Physiological - breaks, staff canteen

Question 7

Disadvantage of Maslow

Answer 7

• Some rewards fit into more than one level
• Some people priorities higher needs over lower one
• Not everyone shares same needs

Question 8

Herzberg beliefs

Answer 8

• Two factor theory
• Motivating by using motivators plus ensuring hygiene factors are met
• Job enrichment
• Direct feedback
• Empowerment

Question 9

What are the two factors in the two-factor theory?

Answer 9

• Motivators

- Hygiene (maintenance) factors

Question 10

Motivators definition

Answer 10

Factors that directly motivate people to work harder.

Question 11

Hygiene factors definition

Answer 11

Factors that can de-motivate if not present but do not actually motivate employees to work harder

Question 12

Hygiene factors examples

Answer 12

• Good working conditions
• Good company policy
• Relations

Question 13

Motivator examples

Answer 13

• Sense of achievement
• Recognition
• Responsibility

Question 14

Disadvantages of Herzberg

Answer 14

• Very small sample - 200 people
• No recognition of power of teams
• Relies heavily on what people said motivates them, not what actually does

Question 15

Scientific management definition

Answer 15

Figuring out the most efficient way to do a job, and then making sure every single worker does it that way

Question 16

Division of labour definition

Answer 16

Breaking work into small repetitive tasks