Project Management Professional Theories

Question 1

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

Answer 1

McClelland’s Theory of Needs

Question 2

Thory that we have five needs; we’re on a quest to satisfy these needs. The needs are, from the bottom up: 1. Physiological. We need air, food, clothing, and shelter. 2. Safety. We need safety and security. 3. Social. We need friends, approval, and love. 4. Esteem. We need respect, appreciation, and approval. 5. Self-actualization. We need personal growth, knowledge, and fulfillment.

Answer 2

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Question 3

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.

Answer 3

Herzberg’s Theory of Motivation

Question 4

All opinions are formed by one component. A great engineer doesn’t always make a great project manager.

Answer 4

Halo Effect

Question 5

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

Answer 5

Ouchi’s Theory Z

Question 6

Individuals allow their work to consume all of their time. Work will expand to fill the amount of time allotted to it.

Answer 6

Parkinson’s Law

Question 7

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

Answer 7

Vroom’s Expectancy Theory

Question 8

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

Answer 8

McGregor’s X and Y