Chapter 8: Applied Motivation

Question 1

Describe how the job characteristics model (JCM) motivates by changing the work environment.

Answer 1

Job characteristics model: jobs are described in terms of five core dimensions:
- Skill variety
- Task identity
- Task significance
- Autonomy
- Feedback

JCM-designed jobs give internal rewards.
Individual’s growth needs are moderating factors.
Motivating jobs must:
- Be autonomous
- Provide feedback
- Be meaningful

Question 2

Compare the main ways that jobs can be redesigned.

Answer 2

• Job Rotation
  The periodic shifting of an employee from one task to another
  Also called cross-training.
  Increases job satisfaction and organizational commitment
• Relational Job Design
  Designing work so employees are motivated to promote the well-being of the organization’s beneficiaries.
  • Relate stories from customers who have benefited from the company’s products or services.
  • Connect employees directly with beneficiaries.

Question 3

Explain how specific alternative work arrangements can motivate employees.

Answer 3

• Flextime
  Some discretion over when worker starts and leaves.
• Job Sharing
  Two or more individuals split a traditional job.
• Telecommuting
  Work remotely at least two days per week.

Question 4

Describe how employee involvement measures can motivate employees.

Answer 4

Employee involvement: A participative process that uses the input of employees to increase their commitment to the organization’s success.

Two types:
1. Participative management
- Subordinates share a significant degree of decision-making power with superiors.
- To be effective:
Followers must have confidence and trust in leaders.
Leaders should avoid coercion and stress organizational consequences of decisions.
Only a modest influence on productivity, motivation, and job satisfaction.

2. Representative participation.
   Workers are represented by a small group of employees who participate in decisions affecting personnel.
   - Works councils
   - Board membership

Redistribute power within an organization.

Does not appear to be very motivational.

Question 5

Demonstrate how the different types of variable-pay programs can increase employee motivation.

Answer 5

Variable-Pay Programs
- Base a portion of the pay on a given measure of performance

1. Piece-Rate Pay: workers are paid a fixed sum for each unit of production completed.
2. Merit-Based Pay: pay is based on individual performance appraisal ratings.
3. Bonuses: rewards employees for recent performance.
4. Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) – plans in which employees acquire stock, often at below-market prices.

Question 6

Show how flexible benefits turn benefits into motivators.

Answer 6

Benefits are both an employee provision and an employee motivator.

Individual employees value the components of benefits packages differently.

A flexible benefits program turns the benefits package into a motivational tool.

Question 7

Identify the motivational benefits of employee recognition programs.

Answer 7

Employee recognition programs;
- Can be as simple as a spontaneous comment
- Can be formalized in a program
- Recognition is the most powerful workplace motivator – and the least expensive – but fairness is important.