Motivation Theorists

Question 1

Importance of motivation

Answer 1

increased productivity
increased quality
lower levels of staff turnover
improved communication
higher levels of innovation
greater worker satisfaction
lower levels of industrial action
improved customer service
better reputation
it is easier to attract quality staff.

Question 2

Taylor’s theory of scientific management:

Answer 2

Taylor believed that workers should not have responsibility for decision-making or contributing their ideas.

Taylor believed that workers needed to be supervised closely.

Taylor believed that workers were primarily motivated by money.

Taylor believed that workers should be specialised in one particular job and repeat it.

Question 3

Mayo

Answer 3

Mayo suggested that motivation at work was promoted by such factors as:

greater communication
better teamwork
showing an interest in others
involving others in decision-making
ensuring the wellbeing of others
making work interesting and non-repetitive.

Question 4

Maslow

Answer 4

Hierarchy of needs
1.self actualisation (top of the triangle)
2.esteem needs
3.love and belonging
4.security or safety needs
5.basic needs

Question 5

Herzberg motivators

Answer 5

Management recognition
Achievement of goals
Responsibility
Opportunities to improve skills
Opportunity for promotion

Question 6

Herzberg’s hygiene factors

Answer 6

Poor working conditions
Lack of status
Unsatisfactory wages
Lack of job security
Poor workplace relationships

Question 7

Vroom’s expectancy theory

Answer 7

Valence (V): according to Vroom, an individual will undertake a task if they believe that they will receive a worthwhile reward as a result

Question 8

Porter and Lawler’s expectancy theory

Answer 8

Porter and Lawler also propose that an individual’s motivation is affected by the reward they expect to receive for completing the task. The individual’s view of the attractiveness of the possible reward will determine their level of motivation.