Sessions 7/8-Motivation Theories

Question 1

Reinforcement Theory (Skinner)

Answer 1

Actions are influenced by:
Individual characteristics
Individual sensitivity
Advice
Norms and rules
Colleagues

People tend to repeat behaviours when they are reinforced and reduced them when they are punished

Question 2

Types of Reinforcement

Answer 2

Positive reinforcement: adding something pleasant
negative reinforcement: removing something pleasant
Punishment: adding something unpleasant
Extinction: removing something pleasant

Question 3

Reinforcement schedule

Answer 3

Fixed-interval: rewarding something after a set amount of time had passed
Fixed-ratio: rewarding after a set number of things happen
Variable-interval: rewarding after a random amount of time has passed
Variable-ratio: rewarding after a random number fo things have happened

Fixed-ratio better optimise the quantity of output
Fixed-interval can lead to better quality of output
Variable-reinforcement can lead to better consistency

Question 4

Goal Setting Theory (Locke)

Answer 4

S M A R T approach

Question 5

Expectancy Theory of Motivation

Answer 5

efforts are directed towards activities that enumerate more
rational approach to motivation
individuals weigh out pros and cons and choose the most promising approach
Valence=expected utility

Question 6

Expectancy Theory relationships

Answer 6

Effort-performance: exerting a specific amount of effort will lead to performance
performance-reward:perfomring at a certain level will lead to a specific reward
reward-valence: the degree to which the reward matches what an individual holds of value

Question 7

Expectancy

Answer 7

the estimate of the likelihood that one’s effort will result in the attainment of desired performance goals
Valence: the value an individual places on a reward

Question 8

Equity Theory (J.Adams)

Answer 8

individuals compare their jobs and rewards with other individuals in their circle and give value to comparison between what they’re rewarded and what others are rewarded for the amount of effort they exert

it implies social comparison

Question 9

Equity theory in organisations

Answer 9

Distributive equity: perceived equity in the rewards given between individuals on more or less the same level as you are

Procedural equity: the perceived equity of the process of handing out rewards

Interactive equity: the perceived equity of the treatment of individuals

Informational equity: the perceived equity of the information given to individuals in a firm