motivation

• What does motivation theory examine?

  Different ideas and methods for achieving the best performance from the workforce
• Why is effective motivation important in the workplace?

  It creates the desire and energy to complete tasks to the highest possible standard
• What is the main focus of Taylor’s theory of scientific management?

  To break tasks down into their basic components for efficiency
• Who developed the idea of work study or time and motion study?

  Frederick Winslow Taylor
• According to Taylor, how can workers produce more output?

  By removing responsibility for decision-making and planning
• How does Taylor’s view of workers differ from a more modern perspective?

  Taylor viewed workers as 'machines' for completing tasks, while modern views emphasize their roles in teamwork and decision-making
• What are the key features of scientific management according to Taylor?

  • Workers are paid for specific tasks, not for thinking
  • Payment based on output levels (piece-rate payments)
  • Tall hierarchy with little upward communication
  • Best methods of working adopted by all workers
  • Close supervision and performance monitoring
• What did Taylor believe workers wanted from employers?

  Higher wages
• What was the impact of Taylor's methods on productivity?

  They led to large increases in productivity
• In what type of industries are Taylor's ideas still used today?

  Labor-intensive industries where cost minimization is crucial
• What did Elton Mayo's Hawthorne experiments reveal about motivation?

  • Group dynamics can be more important than financial motivation
  • Treatment of groups affects productivity
  • Recognition and feeling valued enhance morale and productivity
• What was the aim of Mayo's study at the Hawthorne works?

  To establish the impact of different work conditions on employee productivity
• What conclusion did Mayo reach about why people work?

  Work is a group activity and involves more than just earning money
• What factors did Mayo suggest promote motivation at work?

  • Greater communication
  • Better teamwork
  • Showing interest in others
  • Involving others in decision-making
  • Ensuring the wellbeing of others
  • Making work interesting and non-repetitive
• What is the Human Relations School of motivation and management?

  • Focuses on interaction between workers and managers
  • Emphasizes communication and listening to workers' views
  • Tailors interaction to group dynamics for business benefit
• How have group dynamics changed the workplace according to the Human Relations School?

  Small groups with effective leaders can transform working practices and break down traditional hierarchies
• What is Maslow's hierarchy of needs?

  A theory that categorizes human needs into a hierarchy, from basic to self-actualization
• What are the levels of Maslow's hierarchy of needs?

  1. Physiological or basic needs

  2. Security or safety needs

  3. Love and belonging

  4. Esteem needs

  5. Self-actualization
• How can employers satisfy the basic needs of workers according to Maslow's hierarchy?

  By providing a reasonable level of pay
• What does the security level of Maslow's hierarchy require from employers?


  Contracts of work, sickness benefits, and pension schemes
• How can employers satisfy the love and belonging needs of workers?

  By designing jobs that involve interactive work and providing social facilities
• What is required to satisfy esteem needs in the workplace?

  Positive communication from management and opportunities for training and input in decision-making
• What is self-actualization in Maslow's hierarchy?


  Reaching personal goals and self-expression through promotion and responsibility
• What trade-off must managers consider regarding employee needs?

  The balance between satisfying needs and the costs associated with it
• What are Herzberg's two factors in motivation?

  • Motivators: factors that cause satisfaction (e.g., achievement, recognition)
  • Hygiene factors: factors that cause dissatisfaction (e.g., poor working conditions)
• What was the focus of Herzberg's research?

  What caused satisfaction and dissatisfaction at work
• What must managers provide before motivation can occur according to Herzberg?

  Conditions that prevent dissatisfaction (hygiene factors)
• How can managers use Herzberg's findings to improve job design?

  By enriching jobs progressively to allow motivating factors to be achieved
• What are the criticisms of Herzberg's two-factor theory?

  The sample was limited to professional workers and ignored teamwork effects
• How do Herzberg's hygiene factors relate to Maslow's hierarchy?

  • Lower levels of Maslow's hierarchy correspond to Herzberg's hygiene factors
  • Higher levels of Maslow's hierarchy correspond to Herzberg's motivators
• Who is Victor Vroom?

  A Canadian psychologist known for his expectancy theory of motivation
• What are the three components of Vroom's expectancy theory?

  Valence, instrumentality, and expectancy
• What does 'valence' mean in Vroom's expectancy theory?

  It refers to the value an individual places on the expected reward
• How does 'instrumentality' function in Vroom's theory?

  It is the belief that a particular action will lead to a specific result
• What does 'expectancy' refer to in Vroom's expectancy theory?

  It is the belief in the likelihood of achieving a set target
• How do Vroom's components of expectancy theory relate to individual motivation?

  They emphasize that motivation is based on personal beliefs about outcomes
• What motivates an individual to work hard according to the belief in a positively valent result?

  Believing that hard work will lead to a promotion motivates individuals to work hard.
• What happens if an individual believes their hard work will not lead to promotion?

  They will not be motivated to work hard.
• Why is it important for employees to understand the link between effort and reward?

  It helps to motivate them to put in the necessary effort.
• What does expectancy (E) refer to in the context of motivation?

  It refers to the individual's belief in the likelihood of achieving a set target.