Question 1

Picoeconomics is a theory that emphasizes the idea that when people make decisions, they tend to overestimate the value of benefits that will occur in the future.

Accepted Answer

Picoeconomics is actually a theory that focuses on the internal conflict within individuals between smaller, immediate rewards and larger, delayed rewards, often explaining why people might choose a smaller-sooner reward over a larger-later reward, contrary to the idea of overestimating future benefits.

Question 2

There is no need to differentiate between job satisfaction and motivation.

Accepted Answer

Job satisfaction and motivation are two distinct concepts. Job satisfaction is an employee's general feeling of contentment or fulfillment with their job, while motivation is the drive or willingness to put forth effort towards achieving a goal or completing a task. While they may be related, they are not interchangeable.

Question 3

Millennials (or generation Y) are considered to be the least-educated and least-traveled generation.

Accepted Answer

According to a report by the Lumina Foundation, millennials are actually the most educated generation, with 47% of those aged 25-34 having earned a postsecondary degree. As for travel, it is difficult to make a conclusive statement as travel habits and opportunities vary widely among individuals.

Question 4

Public service motivation may be understood as an individual's predisposition to respond to motives grounded primarily or uniquely in public institutions and organizations.

Accepted Answer

Public service motivation is a concept that refers to an individual's inclination to fulfill their duties and responsibilities towards the public by serving them honestly and effectively. It is rooted in the belief that public service is a noble and socially responsible profession that aims to promote the common good and advance the interests of society as a whole. Public service motivation focuses on the public interest and is based on a sense of duty, responsibility, and commitment to serving the public.

Question 5

Explain the temporal motivation theory and how it relates to the concepts in Maslow's needs-hierarchy.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the temporal motivation theory and how...

Question 6

Job satisfaction and overall motivation for employees are only influenced by factors directly related to the work.

Accepted Answer

Job satisfaction and overall motivation for employees can be influenced by factors both directly and indirectly related to the work, such as the work environment, leadership, relationships with coworkers, and compensation.

Question 7

Trust in all major institutions, such as business, labor, and government has ______.

Accepted Answer

Multiple surveys and studies have shown that trust in major institutions, such as business, labor, and government has decreased substantially over the last few decades. This trend is often attributed to factors such as high-profile scandals, political polarization, and economic inequality.

Question 8

Motivation can be defined as the cause that ______.

Accepted Answer

Motivation is the reason or cause that drives people to act or behave in a certain way. It is the spark that ignites action, and it can come from a variety of sources such as personal values, goals, social pressure, or external rewards. Therefore, option C, "makes people do what they do," is the most appropriate definition of motivation. Options A and B are incorrect because motivation does not necessarily lead to achieving the impossible or going beyond one's normal means. Option D is also incorrect because motivation does not disable people from making mistakes rather it encourages people to learn from mistakes and keep going.

Question 9

Researchers have argued that an overall management that emphasizes a participative approach is positively related to employee motivation and performance.

Accepted Answer

Several studies have found that participative management, which involves involving employees in decision-making processes and seeking their input, can lead to increased job satisfaction, motivation, and performance. This approach can also enhance communication and teamwork within the organization.

Question 10

Goal-setting and expectancy theories are compatible approaches to increasing motivation.

Accepted Answer

Both goal-setting theory and expectancy theory emphasize the importance of setting specific, challenging goals and creating a sense of self-efficacy and belief in one's ability to achieve those goals. In goal-setting theory, the focus is on setting and working towards specific goals, while expectancy theory emphasizes the importance of individuals believing that their efforts will lead to desired outcomes. Both theories have been shown to be effective in increasing motivation and performance, and can be applied together to create a comprehensive approach to motivating individuals in a variety of settings.

Question 11

Participation influences motivation because it reduces the amount of information that people have on the expected outcomes of performance.

Accepted Answer

Participation can actually increase motivation because it provides individuals with a sense of control and ownership over the task at hand, leading to greater engagement and effort.

Question 12

Which of the following are general components of motivation?

Accepted Answer

Motivation generally involves individual differences, the nature of the job, and the organization itself, as these factors influence how motivated a person feels in their work environment.

Question 13

Public service motivation and goal theories of motivation cannot be considered interrelated.

Accepted Answer

Public service motivation and goal theories of motivation can be interrelated. Public service motivation may drive individuals to set goals related to helping others, and goal setting theory can be applied in public service contexts to increase productivity and performance.

Question 14

Temporal motivation theory relates the expectancy of a person that a particular action will be rewarded, and the amount of the payout that will be received, with how long that person is willing to wait to receive the expected payout.

Accepted Answer

Temporal motivation theory involves the relationship between expectancy, potential rewards, and delay in receiving those rewards.

Question 15

Job satisfaction is the feeling one has about one's coworkers.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Job satisfaction is the feeling one has...

Question 16

Which of the following can you do as a manager to increase trust and engagement with employees?

Accepted Answer

All three options - being attentive to relationships, having a high degree of caring and compassion, and being transparent in decision-making - are crucial in building trust and engagement with employees. Being attentive to relationships means actively seeking to understand and connect with employees, which builds a sense of respect and trust. Demonstrating caring and compassion for employees shows that their well-being matters to the manager, which can result in increased motivation and loyalty. Transparency in decision-making helps employees understand why certain decisions are made, and can reduce mistrust and skepticism towards management. Therefore, all these efforts combined can lead to a more engaged and loyal workforce.

Question 17

Which of the following are perspectives of motivation?

Accepted Answer

The perspectives of motivation are need theories (which focus on intrinsic needs and desires), expectancy theories (which emphasize the link between effort and outcome), goal-setting theories (which deal with setting and achieving specific goals), and equity theories (which examine perceptions of fairness and justice in the distribution of rewards). Option A correctly lists all four perspectives. Option B includes "equality theories," which is not a recognized perspective of motivation. Option C includes "manipulation theories," which is not a commonly recognized category of motivation theories. Option D includes "equality theories," which is not a recognized perspective of motivation.

Question 18

Baby boomers grew up in the post-WWII era, with general prosperity. They represent the largest generational group in the workplace and tend to embrace change and personal growth and to question rules.

Accepted Answer

This statement is generally true for baby boomers.

Question 19

The satisfaction of lower-level needs, called hygiene or extrinsic factors, leads to motivation.

Accepted Answer

The satisfaction of lower-level needs leads to satisfaction, not necessarily motivation. Motivation comes from fulfilling higher-level needs, also known as growth or intrinsic factors.

Question 20

Maslow's needs-hierarchy is still relevant in the 21st century. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Be sure to illustrate your discussion with relevant examples.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Maslow's needs-hierarchy is still relevant in the...

Quiz 6: Motivation and Engagement