Chapter 5: Theories

Question 1

What does Equity Theory propose about motivation?

Answer 1

Motivation stems from fairness perceptions in work-related exchanges.

Question 2

What are the effects of underpayment according to Equity Theory?

Answer 2

Lower effort, poor quality work, and higher turnover.

Question 3

Why are the effects of overpayment weaker than underpayment?

Answer 3

Employees are more likely to distort perceptions than reduce pay or increase effort.

Question 4

What are the characteristics of motivational goals?

Answer 4

Specificity, challenge, commitment, and feedback.

Question 5

Why is commitment important in goal-setting?

Answer 5

Employees must accept goals for them to be effective.

Question 6

How does feedback enhance motivation?

Answer 6

It enables individuals to assess progress and adjust their strategies.

Question 7

What are four ways goals improve performance?

Answer 7

They direct attention, increase effort, enhance persistence, and promote task strategies.

Question 8

What is goal velocity, and why does it matter?

Answer 8

It refers to the rate of progress toward a goal, impacting satisfaction, commitment, and success expectancy.

Question 9

Goal Orientation

Answer 9

1. Learning goal orientation – Focus on skill development and knowledge.
2. Performance-prove goal orientation – Focus on demonstrating competence.
3. Performance-avoid goal orientation – Focus on avoiding failure.

Question 10

Goal Proximity

Answer 10

• Distal goals (long-term) → Example: “Increase annual sales by 50%.”
• Proximal goals (short-term, stepping stones) → Example: “Improve monthly sales by 5%.”
• Best practice: Combine distal goals with proximal goals for incremental progress.