Ch7 Skills 2: Motivating

Question 1

Draw Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.

Answer 1

Triangle
Top to bottom
Self actualization
Esteem
Social
Safety
Physiological

Question 2

Distinguish between theory X and theory Y.

Answer 2

Theory X managers believe employees
•Dislike work
•Avoid taking responsibility
•Are motivated only by money
•Lack ambition
Theory X managers typically use an autocratic style, closely supervise employees and use threats and punishment to motivate staff.

Theory Y managers believe employees
•Like work and are willing to work hard
•Want to take on additional duties
•Are ambitious
•Are motivated by both financial and non financial rewards.
Theory Y managers typically use a democratic or laissez-faire style, delegating tasks to staff and trusting them to makes decisions.

Question 3

What are the implications of a Theory X style?

Answer 3

•Demotivated workforce
•Management stress
•High labour turnover
•Low quality goods and services (employees do not feel valued)

Question 4

What are the implications of a Theory Y style?

Answer 4

Motivated workforce
Less management stress
Low labour turnover
High quality goods and services

Question 5

What are the limitations of McGregor’s Theories?

Answer 5

Unrealistic: Managers must use aspects of both theory X and theory Y.

High staff turnover: Employees tend to be unhappy when a Theory X style is used, increasing recruitment costs for the business.

Less intrapreneurship: Employee’s are less likely to share ideas with management as they fear making mistakes. This can lead to lower quality products for consumers.

Question 6

Give an example of how Maslows Hierarchy of Needs is applied in the workplace.

Answer 6

•Physiological: Paying fair days wage for a fair days work.
•Safety: Providing health insurance cover.
•Social: Enabling employees to work in teams
•Esteem: Praise work well done
•Self-actualization: Providing workers with a career plan and training and development opportunities.

Question 7

What are the limitations of Maslows Hierarchy of Needs?

Answer 7

Individual needs: It does not consider that people are motivated by different things at different life stages.

Self-actualization: The concept of Self-actualization differs from person to person, so it can be difficult for a firm to find ways to motivate employees at this stage.

Value of needs: Not all needs are of equal value to different people. Eg, some may value esteem needs over social needs.

Question 8

What idea is Maslows Hierarchy based off?

Answer 8

When one need is fulfilled, the one above becomes the dominant motivator.