What is motivation?
The process of influencing an employee’s perception towards work
In business, it refers to the desire of workers to see a job done quickly and well.
Motivation results from the individual’s desire to achieve _______ and to satisfy needs.
objectives
Well-motivated workers help organizations achieve objectives cost-effectively.
Who was a pioneer in the area of scientific management?
Frederick Taylor
He was born in 1856 and emphasized efficiency and productivity.
What does scientific management involve?
- Studying tasks
- Breaking them down into components
- Designing efficient methods
- Training workers to specialize
Taylor’s approach aimed to increase productivity and efficiency.
What is the theory of economic man?
The view that man is driven by money alone
Taylor supported this notion, suggesting wage levels based on output.
What is the piece rate system?
Paying workers a certain amount for each unit produced
It encourages high output by linking pay to productivity.
What are some results of Taylor’s work?
- Increased efficiency
- Higher productivity
- Greater profits
However, it has limitations, such as ignoring individual differences.
Who developed the Hierarchy of Needs?
Abraham Maslow
His work identifies and classifies main human needs.
Maslow’s theory suggests that lower level needs must be satisfied before progressing to the _______.
next level
This hierarchy helps explain why people work beyond just financial needs.
What are the limitations of Maslow’s approach?
- Not everyone has the same needs
- Difficult to identify needs
- Money plays a role in multiple levels
- Self-actualization is not permanently achieved
These limitations challenge the applicability of the hierarchy.
What are the two categories of factors in Herzberg’s Two Factor Theory?
- Motivators
- Hygiene factors
Motivators lead to job satisfaction, while hygiene factors can cause dissatisfaction.
What are motivators according to Herzberg?
Factors that give workers job satisfaction, such as recognition
These are intrinsic to the job and correlate with higher-order needs.
What are hygiene factors according to Herzberg?
Factors which surround the job.
Strong determinants of job satisfaction.
These are extrinsic to the job and correlate with lower-order needs.
What is the Hawthorne effect?
The idea that workers are motivated by recognition given to them as a group
This concept emerged from experiments at the Hawthorne plant.
What are some financial methods to improve staff performance?
- Piecework
- Commission
- Bonus
- Profit sharing
- Performance related pay
These methods aim to motivate staff through financial incentives.
What are the advantages of financial methods to improve performance?
- Motivates staff to improve performance
- Provides purpose and direction
- Offers feedback opportunities
However, not all employees are driven by financial rewards.
What are the disadvantages of financial methods to improve performance?
- Not all employees seek financial rewards
- Can damage team spirit
- Potential for favoritism
These issues can harm manager-employee relationships.
What does delegation mean?
Passing authority down the organizational hierarchy whilst the manager holds the responsibility.
It can make work more interesting and rewarding for employees.
What are the benefits of delegation?
- Work becomes more interesting
- Employees feel important
- Helps train workers
However, inexperienced employees may fail, affecting management’s reputation.
What is consultation in the workplace?
Listening to the views of employees before making key decisions
This practice can enhance employee motivation.
What is empowerment?
Giving official authority to employees to make decisions
It can lead to greater motivation and personal development.
What are the benefits of team working?
- High productivity
- Specialization
- Shared responsibilities
- Idea generation
- Flexible working
Teamwork can enhance overall performance.
What are the problems of team working?
- Too much emphasis on harmony
- Disagreements
- Poor preparation
- Feelings of powerlessness
These issues can hinder team effectiveness.
What is job enrichment?
Giving employees greater responsibility and recognition
This approach vertically extends their work roles.
