1.4 - Motivation in Theory and Practice Flashcards
(28 cards)
What is motivation in a business context?
Motivation in business is the internal drive and willingness of employees to work effectively and commit to their roles.
Why is motivation important for businesses?
Motivated employees lead to:
Higher productivity
Lower staff turnover
Reduced absenteeism
Better customer service
Improved product/service quality
Greater reliability and employee loyalty
What was Taylor’s view of motivation (Scientific Management)?
Taylor believed workers are only motivated by money. He promoted:
Piece-rate pay
Division of labour (small, repetitive tasks)
Scientific management to find the most efficient way to work
What are the benefits and drawbacks of Taylor’s theory?
Pros:
Higher productivity
Clear job roles
Cons:
Repetitive, boring tasks = demotivating
Ignores social and psychological needs
Seen as exploitative today
What elements of Taylor’s theory are still used today?
Piecework pay systems
Supervisory roles
Efficiency-focused work processes
What is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?
(Bottom) Physical – food, water, shelter
Safety – job security, safe workplace
Social – friendship, teamwork
Esteem – achievement, recognition
(Top) Self-actualisation – reaching one’s full potential
How does Maslow’s theory apply to business?
Businesses should try to meet employees’ needs at all levels, from pay and safety to personal growth and achievement.
What are limitations of Maslow’s theory?
Not everyone progresses in the same order
Some employees may value social needs more than esteem
Hard to identify which level a person is at
What is Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory?
Hygiene factors: If absent, cause dissatisfaction (e.g., pay, conditions, policies)
Motivators: Lead to satisfaction (e.g., achievement, responsibility, recognition)
What are examples of hygiene factors?
Company policies
Working conditions
Supervision
Pay
Colleague relationships
What are examples of motivators?
Achievement
Recognition
Responsibility
Interesting work
Personal development
What are limitations of Herzberg’s theory?
Based on a small sample (mainly engineers/accountants)
People may value hygiene factors differently
May not apply across all job types
What did Mayo believe motivated employees?
Mayo believed social needs and relationships were key. Motivation increased through:
Good communication
Manager involvement
Teamwork
Feeling valued
What management style does Mayo’s theory support?
Paternalistic – managers care about workers’ well-being and treat them as individuals.
What is employee engagement?
MODERN HR CONCEPT WHERE EMPLOYEES:
Are committed to company goals
Are motivated to contribute
Enhance their own well-being through work
What are the 3 types of employee engagement?
Intellectual – thinking about how to do the job better
Affective – feeling positive about doing a good job
Social – discussing work-related ideas with colleagues
What are the main types of financial rewards?
Wages (hourly)
Salaries (monthly, annual)
Bonuses
Commission
Profit sharing
Performance-related pay (PRP)
Share options
Fringe benefits (e.g., company car, health insurance)
What is profit sharing?
A reward scheme where employees receive a portion of company profits, promoting team spirit and loyalty.
What is performance-related pay (PRP)?
Extra pay for employees who meet or exceed targets. Common in managerial roles.
What is commission?
Extra pay based on sales performance, usually a % of sales made.
What are fringe benefits?
Non-cash rewards like:
Company car
Free meals
Private health insurance
These increase loyalty and help attract talent.
What are advantages and disadvantages of financial incentives?
Pros:
Clear link between pay and performance
Easy to monitor targets
Cons:
Can cause unhealthy competition
Doesn’t work if reward is too small
May reduce teamwork
What are examples of non-financial motivators?
Job enrichment
Job enlargement
Job rotation
Praise/recognition
Promotion
Empowerment
Teamwork
Better communication
Flexible working
Improved work environment
What is job enrichment?
Giving employees more challenging, skill-based, and meaningful work, allowing growth and responsibility.
