Motivation in theory and practise Flashcards
Define motivation.
Having motivated staff leads to greater productivity which means less wastage and higher profitability for a business.
Why is it important to have motivated employees?
Motivated employees are more productive, and productive employees are: More creative More accurate More analytical Better at handling problems Better at customer service Better at closing the sales
Motivated staff are more reliable and loyal and loyal staff are less likely to leave which improves labour turnover rates and saves the business money in having to recruit and train new staff.
Motivated staff are less likely to take time off work.
Name the different motivation theories.
Scientific management (Taylor)
Human relations theory (Mayo)
Hierarchy of needs (Maslow)
Two factor theory (Herzberg)
Explain Taylor’s motivation theory.
Taylor believed that employees would do the minimum amount of work as they don’t enjoy work. This means they need close supervision and control. Scientific management argues that workers should be paid based on how much they work- a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.
Explain Mayo’s motivation theory.
Mayo looked at Hawthorne factory and found that just by being observed, employee’s motivation increased and working in tams was more important than money. He concluded that boring, monotonous work was demotivating and that non-financial motivators had the largest impact.
He concluded that workers are motivated by having their social needs met, working in teams and managers having greater involvement in an employee’s working life.
Explain Maslow’s motivation theory.
Maslow’s theory focuses on the psychological needs of employees and suggested that there are five levels of a hierarchy that employees need to have fulfilled at work. Workers are motivated by having each level of need met as they move up the hierarchy. They must have lower levels of needs fully met by the firm before being motivated by the next level.
What are the different parts of Maslow’s pyramid from bottom to top?
Physiological needs Safety needs Love/belonging needs Esteem needs Self-actualisation needs
Explain self actualisation as part of Maslow’s hierarchy.
This is at the top of the pyramid, we only rise to this level once we have fulfilled all other levels.
At this level we are creative, spontaneous, problem solving, accepting of our circumstances, inspiring others and highly engaged in our work environment.
Explain esteem needs as part of Maslow’s hierarchy.
At this level we seek independence, recognition, honour, status and responsibility. We want to feel important at work and that we are vital to a business. We seek a feeling of accomplishment and are focussed on building a solid work image.
Explain love/belonging as part of Maslow’s hierarchy.
At this level we seek love and friendship. We crave affection and intimacy and to be accepted in society.
Explain safety needs as part of Maslow’s hierarchy.
At this level, we seek safety, security and health. This might mean having security of employment and being well enough to go to work.
Explain physiological needs as part of Maslow’s hierarchy.
At this level we seek our basic needs; food, water, warmth, things we need to survive.
Explain Herzberg’s motivation theory.
His two-factor theory proposes that employees have motivating factors; interesting work, recognition and personal achievement, responsibility and scope to develop.
He also found that hygeine factors would cause dissatisfaction if not met; good working conditions, pay, relationships with other employees. However, having these met did not motivate them any more than they already were.
List different financial motivation methods.
Piecework Commission Bonus Profit share Performance-related pay
Explain piecework as a financial motivation method.
Employees are paid per finished item or unit.
Also known as output workers.
What are the advantages of piecework as a financial motivation method.
+ Experienced and efficient workers can earn more
+ Incentive to complete the work
+ Employees may work more hours to get the job done
+ Home workers can choose their own times
What are the disadvantages of piecework as a financial motivation method.
- Workers may cut corners as they speed up
- Quality may suffer
- Slower workers may fall under minimum wage
Explain commission as a financial motivation method.
Salespeople may be paid commission only or low basic salary and commission.
They may be paid a percentage of unit price per unit sold.
What are the advantages of commission as a financial motivation method.
+ Skilled salespeople can make very good money
+ Employer is not paying for down time when employee is not selling
+ Motivates employee to sell more
What are the disadvantages of commission as a financial motivation method.
- Salespeople might earn no money at all
- Not a steady income
- It’s risky in a recession
- Employees are motivated to sell ratehr than meet needs of customers
- Temptation/pressure to sell or oversell
Explain using a bonus as a financial motivation method.
A bonus is a lump sum paid on top fo a salary or wages. This can be for:
Meeting sales targets
Meeting output or quality targets
Christmas as a year bonus
