Human Resoure Theories

Question 1

Hertzberg’s Theory of Motivation

Answer 1

There are hygiene agents and motivating agents. Hygiene agents are expectations for employment:
paycheck, insurance, safe working environment. Motivating agents are motivators for employees
such as bonuses, career advancement, opportunity to grow. Hygiene agents will not motivate, but
their absence will de-motivate.

Question 2

McClelland’s Theory of Needs

Answer 2

Needs are acquired over time and are shaped by life experiences. Our needs are categorized
as achievement, affiliation, and power. McClelland used a Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) to
determine an individual’s needs

Question 3

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Answer 3

states that we have five needs: physiological, safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization.

Question 4

Ouchi’s Theory Z

Answer 4

Workers do well if motivated. This provides participative management, familial work environment, and
lifelong employment. Known as Japanese Management Style

Question 5

Halo Effect

Answer 5

All opinions are formed by one component. A great engineer doesn’t always make a great project
manager. Parkinson’s Law Individuals allow their work to consume all of their time. Work will expand
to fill the amount of time allotted to it.

Question 6

McGregor’s X and Y

Answer 6

Management’s perspective of employees. X people are bad, lazy, and need to be micromanaged. Y
people are selfdirected. Most managers have X and Y attributes.

Question 7

Vroom’s Expectancy Theory

Answer 7

People behave based on what they believe (expect) their behavior to bring them.