Chapter 9: Motivating The Workforce

Question 1

Historical Perspectives in Employee Motivation

Answer 1

-CLASSICAL THEORY OF MOTIVATION: (Taylor and Gilbreth) Money is the sole motivator for workers {developed piece-rate system}
-HAWTHORNE STUDIES: (Mayo & Harvard) individuals modify their behaviour in response to being observed

Question 2

Theories of Employee Motivation

Answer 2

MASLOW’s HIERARCHY OF NEEDS: physiological, security, social, esteem, self-actualization
HERZBERG’s 2 Factor Theory: Hygiene Factors (policies, supervision, working conditions etc.) and Motivational Factors (achievement, recognition, work itself etc.) affect employees

Question 3

McGregor’s Theories X, Y and Z

Answer 3

theory X: assume that workers generally dislike work and must be forced to do their jobs.
Theory Y: assume that workers like to work and that under proper conditions employees will seek out responsibility in an attempt to satisfy their social, esteem & self-actualization needs
Theory Z: stresses employee participation in all aspects of company decision making.

Question 4

Equity Theory
Expectancy Theory
Goal-setting Theory

Answer 4

EQUITY THEORY: How much people are willing to contribute to an organization depends on their assessment of the fairness, rewards etc. they will receive in exchange
EXPECTANCY THEORY: motivation depends not only depends on how much a person wants something, but also in the person’s perception of how likely they’re going to get it
GOAL-SETTING THEORY: the impact that setting goals has on performance. (Goals as motivators)
Management by Objectives (MBO): the need to develop goals that employees and employers can agree on.

Question 5

Strategies for Motivating Employees

Answer 5

REINFORCEMENT THEORY: behaviour can be strengthened or weakened through the use of rewards and punishments
JOB ROTATION
JOB ENLARGEMENT
JOB ENRICHMENT (e.g. achievement recognition)
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING STRATEGIES: Flex Time, compressed workweek, job sharing

Question 6

HERZBERG’s 2-Factor Theory

Answer 6

HYGIENE:
Company policies
Supervision
working conditions relationship with peers
salary
security
MOTIVATIONAL FACTORS
Achievement
Recognition
Work itself
Responsibility
Advancement
Personal growth