Week 2.b - Theories of Motivation

Question 1

The process that accounts for an individual’s intensity, direction, and persistence of effort toward reaching a goal is known as

Answer 1

Motivation

Question 2

Is motivation a personal trait?

Answer 2

No. The interaction of the individual with the situation an important factor

Question 3

Name two types of Motivations

Answer 3

Intrinsic Motivators (from within) and Extrinsic Motivators (external rewards)

Question 4

Needs Theories of Motivation

Does Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs always progress in the same order? (Physiological needs > safety > love /belonging > esteem > self-actualization)

Answer 4

no, sometimes a person (example given was philosopher, Nietzsche) can be self actualized without going through the other stages first

Question 5

Needs Theories of Motivation

the realization or fulfillment of one’s talents and potentialities, especially considered as a drive or need present in everyone is

Answer 5

Self Actualization

Question 6

Needs Theories of Motivation

Herzberg’s Two Factor Model of motivation contains what two factors? Please provide examples of each

Answer 6

Motivators (Intrinsic - e.g.responsibility, promotional opportunities, personal growth opportunities)

and Hygiene Factors - e.g. pay, company policies, quality of supervision, etc..

Question 7

Needs Theories of Motivation

Does Herzberg believe you can motivate with Hygiene factors?

Answer 7

No, his argument is that the only true way to motivate is through intrinsic motivation (leaving out people who are truly motivated by things like money)

Question 8

Needs Theories of Motivation

What are some criticisms of Herzbergs model?

Answer 8

• Reliability of how the data was collected is in question - eg. to measure intrinsic satisfaction, etc.

Also, hygiene factors can motivate

Question 9

Needs Theories of Motivation

McClelland’s Theory of Needs contains what 3 Needs as Motivators

Answer 9

Need for POWER
Need for ACHIEVEMENT
Need for AFFILIATION

Question 10

Needs Theories of Motivation

According to McClelland, how would you motivate someone who primary need was the Need for Power

Answer 10

Because N.Pow people need to have influence over others, motivating them by giving them a leadership role is best

Question 11

Needs Theories of Motivation

According to McClelland, how would you motivate an employee with a Need for Achievement?

Answer 11

Because they have a drive to excel, tangible recognition, i.e. company awards would be a good motivator

Question 12

Needs Theories of Motivation

According to McClelleand, how would you motivate and employee with a Need for Affiliation

Answer 12

Because N.Aff people are motivated by close interpersonal relationships, having work be a sociable environment and maybe team outings as a motivator would work

Question 13

Needs Theories of Motivation

McClelland’s Theory of needs has the BEST RESEARCH SUPPORT, but what are 2 difficulties?

Answer 13

• Hard to define - almost everything is subconscious

- only applies to high acheivers

Question 14

What are the 3 Needs Theories of Motivation Studied?

Answer 14

• Maslows Hierarchy of Needs
• McClleland’s Theory of Needs
• Herzberg’s 2 -Factor theory

Question 15

Example of when individuals have needs that when unsatisfied, will result in motivation

Answer 15

i.e. need to be praised, will work harder to be recognized

Question 16

what are Process Theories of Motivation

Answer 16

Process theories of motivation focus on how one motivates oneself and others

Question 17

Process Theories of Motivation

The mentality “If I work hard, put in effort and do a good job at work, I can expect to get organizational rewards”

is an example of what Process Theory of Motivation?

Answer 17

Expectancy Theory

Question 18

Process Theories of Motivation

What is one thing to be cautious of when looking at Expectancy Theory?

Answer 18

you have to make sure the organization is measuring success or “good performance” the way you are

(e.g. some organization’s appraisal systems may be designed to assess performance factors such as loyalty, initiative, or courage”

Question 19

Process Theories of Motivation

“Specific and difficult goals with feedback lead to higher performance “ is explaining what Process Theory of Motivation?

Answer 19

Goal Setting Theory

Question 20

Process Theories of Motivation

Goal setting motivates in what 4 ways?

Answer 20

1) Directs attention
2) regulates effort
3) increases persistence
4) encourages development of strategies and action plans

Question 21

Process Theories of Motivation

Goal SettinTg Theory is also known as

Answer 21

MBO - Management By Objectives

Question 22

Process Theories of Motivation

What are SMART goals?

Answer 22

S-specific
M-measurable
A-attainable 
R-realistic
T- timebound

Question 23

Process Theories of Motivation

The statement “I believe I can do this job well because I have risen to the occasion before”

is an example of what Process Theory of Motivation?

Answer 23

Self-efficacy Theory

Question 24

Process Theories of Motivation

The higher your self efficacy, the more_______ you will have in your ability to complete or perform a task

Answer 24

confidence

Question 25

Process Theories of Motivation

“If I show up late to work, I will be reprimanded. If I hit all my targets, I will be given a bonus on my pay”

is an example of which process theory of motivation?

Answer 25

Reinforcement Theory

Unwanted behaviours punished, desirable behaviours rewarded

Question 26

“I prefer to choose when I come to work - that’s by I really enjoy the flex schedule” is a statement that might be said by someone who has high

Answer 26

Self-determination

Question 27

Individuals prefer to have more control over their actions, thus anything that makes a previously enjoyed task feel more like an obligation than a freely chosen activity will undermine motivation – i.e. paid volunteer work is

Answer 27

Self-determination theory (Cognitive Evaluation Theory)

Question 28

Equity theory is

Answer 28

Individuals comparing their job inputs with those of others and responding to eliminate those inequalities

i.e. exert less effort if underpaid or more if overpaid

Question 29

5 MAIN POINTS to keep in mind when trying to motivate ppl within an organization

Answer 29

Recognize individual differences
Use goals and feedback
Allow individuals to participate in decisions that affect them
When giving rewards, be sure to align reward with the desired performance
Make sure you have an equitable system in place