Motivation

Question 1

What is motivation?

Answer 1

1. The willingness to achieve a target or goal

2. The will to work because of enjoying work for its own sake

Question 2

Benefits of a highly motivated workforce?

Answer 2

1. Lower worker absenteeism
2. High productivity
3. More ideas and suggestions
4. Low labour turnover

Question 3

What are the three motivational theories?

Answer 3

1. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
2. Herzberg’s two factor theory
3. McGregor’s theory x theory y manager

Question 4

Why does Maslow’s hierarchy help managers?

Answer 4

(Look back at actual hierarchy too)

1. Gives managers a range of ideas on how to improve performance of subordinates
2. Encourages them to look at employees as individuals
3. Money not a sole motivator

Question 5

What does Herzberg’s theory suggest?

Answer 5

Suggested that factors that determine job satisfaction are different to those that create job dissatisfaction

Question 6

What Herzberg factors encourage job satisfaction and what does it show?

Answer 6

1. Achievement
2. Recognition
3. Responsibility
4. Growth

People are motivated by opportunities for achievement - design of jobs effects motivation - should allow employees to achieve personal targets etc - interest in work.

Question 7

Herzberg factors that lead to job dissatisfaction and what does it show? (hygiene factors)

Answer 7

1. Administration
2. Supervision
3. Working conditions
4. Salary
5. Security and status

Key finding people are not motivated by pay. These factors need to be minimised

Question 8

What is McGregor’s theory x manager and what do they believe?

Answer 8

Has an autocratic leadership style and offers little control. Pay is key motivator

• They believe:
  1. Employee dislikes work and will avoid it if they can
  2. Average person prefers to be told what to do
  3. Not ambitious
  4. Unsupervised employees will not perform efficiently and are only motivated by pay

Question 9

What is McGregor’s theory y manager nd what do they believe?

Answer 9

Has democratic leadership - uses delegation and two way communication.

• They believe:
  1. Employees are able to work efficiently without constant supervision
  2. Employees accept and seek responsibility
  3. Most employees possess skills and creativity which they want to use at work
  4. Seek satisfaction from work, not just financial rewards