8 Motivational Theories

Question 1

What’s motivation?

Answer 1

The DESIRE to engage in a particular activity to be able to satisfy a NEED

Question 2

Why is motivating employees important?

Answer 2

• Losing an employee is costly

- The organization will succeed if the employees are motivated

Question 3

Differentiate b/w content theories of motivation and process theories of motivation.

Answer 3

Content theories of motivation (need theories): Focus is on WHAT motivates a person

Process theories of motivation (cognitive theories): Focus on HOW a person is motivated

Question 4

What is the basic idea of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?

Answer 4

That inds have a hierarchy of needs > the lower needs must be satisfied before the higher needs are

Question 5

What’s one problem w/ Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?

Answer 5

It doesn’t consider reverting back to a lower need

Question 6

What’re two major diffs b/w Alderfer’s ERG theory and Maslow’s?

Answer 6

the ERG theory of needs allows for regression AND it doesn’t have a hierarchy (meaning that any need can be fulfilled in any order in diff situations)

Question 7

3 needs of Alderfer’s ERG theory of needs?

Answer 7

Existence: physiological and safety needs
Relatedness: affection and social activity
Growth: esteem and status needs, and self-actualization needs

Question 8

What’s Herzberg’s two factor theory?

Answer 8

Theory of need which says that inds have 2 sets of needs:

1. Avoidance of unpleasantness (hygiene factors)
2. Personal growth (motivating factors)

Question 9

What’s the main implication of Herzberg’s two factor theory?

Answer 9

To truly motivate workers, you must challenge them in a way that makes them assume responsibility. > makes them grow as a worker and person

Question 10

According to Herzberg’s two-factor theory, why isn’t simply giving a worker a higher salary going to necessarily bring about more motivation and satisfaction?

Answer 10

Because it doesn’t contribute to personal growth; it’s merely contributing to an avoidance of unpleasantness assoc w/ the work

Question 11

According to Herzberg’s two-factor theory, what does high hygiene and low motivation mean for workers?

Answer 11

It means they have few complains related to the work environment (pay, hours, etc.), but they’re not really motivated bc they only see their work as a paycheque

Question 12

According to Herzberg’s two-factor theory, what does low hygiene and high motivation mean for workers?

Answer 12

It means that ppl are motivated due to feeling accomplished and responsible, but they have a lot of complains due to working conditions, such as low pay or terrible hours.

Question 13

Vroom’s Expectancy Theory:

Answer 13

A process theory of motivation (i.e. HOW a person is motivated) which says that inds will make choices based on 3 conditions:

1. Expectancy
2. Instrumentality
3. Valence

Motivation = expectancy (effort) x instrumentality (performance) x valence (value of outcome)

Question 14

Vroom’s Expectancy Theory: How can we increase a worker’s expectancy (effort)?

Answer 14

1. train them
2. select inds w/ req’d competencies
3. clarify what they’re supposed to do
4. provide enough resources
5. coach and give feedback

Question 15

Vroom’s Expectancy Theory: How can we increase a worker’s instrumentality (performance)?

Answer 15

1. measure worker’s performance/behaviour accurately
2. describe outcomes of good performance and bad performance (e.g. if you do this, you’ll get a raise)
3. incentivize good performance by offering rewards

Question 16

Vroom’s Expectancy Theory: How can we increase a worker’s valence (value of outcome)?

Answer 16

1. provide rewards that matter to the worker
2. provide rewards specific to the workers
3. minimize counter-valent outcomes

Question 17

According to Vroom’s Expectancy Theory, an employee’s expectancy (effort) is ultimately tied to…

Answer 17

their expectations of the outcome (is the reward worth the effort?)

Question 18

Adam’s Equity theory states…

Answer 18

ppl are motivated by a desire to be treated FAIRLY

Question 19

T or F: According to Adam’s Equity theory, as long as a person PERCEIVES that they’re being treated in an equitable manner, then they will be motivated to accomplish a task. ACTUAL equity isn’t as important.

Answer 19

T

Question 20

Distinguish over-reward inequity from under-reward inequity.

Answer 20

Over-reward inequity is when YOU get higher outcomes than others despite both of you having identical inputs

Under-reward inequity is when OTHERS get higher outcomes than you despite both of you having identical inputs.

Question 21

Why is important to s.times change a comparison gp when considering inequity in an organization?

Answer 21

Bc you may be using a comparison gp that is inherently different from yourself, and so comparing rewards b/w the two of you is not a useful exercise
(e.g. if you’re a new employee and you’re comparing your lower salary to an ind who has worked there for 14 years, you’ll likely find inequity, but this inequity is justified)

Question 22

What’s Locke’s Goal-setting theory?

Answer 22

A theory of motivation that says that inds an important source of motivation comes from GOAL SETTING

Question 23

Skinner’s Reinforcement theory:

Answer 23

Behaviour is a fn of its consequences:

1. +ve consequences = more likely to repeat behaviour
2. -ve consequences = less likely to repeat behaviour

Question 24

Types of consequences in Skinner’s reinforcement theory:

Answer 24

1. +ve reinforcement
2. -ve reinforcement
3. punishment
4. extinction

Question 25

Describe a thinking personality type:

Answer 25

uses objective logic to make decisions

Question 26

Describe a feeling personality type:

Answer 26

makes decisions that FEEL right

Question 27

Describe an introverted personality type:

Answer 27

gets E from within

Question 28

Describe an extroverted personality type:

Answer 28

gets E from interacting w/ others

Question 29

Describe a judging personality type:

Answer 29

likes closure, certainty

Question 30

Describe a perceptive personality type:

Answer 30

likes possibilities, uncertainty

Question 31

Describe a sensing personality type:

Answer 31

gets info from the 5 senses

Question 32

Describe an inuitive personality type:

Answer 32

sees relationships