Question 1

According to the hierarchical needs theory, needs are organized into which hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

According to the hierarchical needs theory proposed by Abraham Maslow, needs are organized into a hierarchy of five levels, which are physiological needs, safety needs, belongingness and love needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization needs. This hierarchy suggests that lower-level needs must be satisfied before an individual can progress to higher-level needs.

Question 2

The likelihood a reward will actually reinforce a specific performance-enhancing behavior depends on the extent to which the reward recipient (1) actually values the specific reward, (2) believes the reward allocation process was handled fairly, and (3) receives the reward in a timely manner. Which statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

All three statements are correct as they address key factors that influence the effectiveness of rewards in reinforcing behavior: the value of the reward to the recipient, the perceived fairness of the reward allocation process, and the timeliness of the reward delivery.

Question 3

Five core job characteristics are most strongly related to job satisfaction. Which of the following is one of those characteristics?

Accepted Answer

Feedback is one of the five core job characteristics that have been shown to have a strong relationship with job satisfaction. The other four are skill variety, task identity, task significance, and autonomy. Task enlargement and job rotation are related to job design but are not part of the core characteristics that drive job satisfaction. Social interaction and instrumentality are not core characteristics of job design.

Question 4

According to the manifest needs model, needs are organized into which hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

The manifest needs model, developed by David McClelland, proposes that needs are organized into a hierarchy of three categories: achievement, affiliation, and power. This model suggests that individuals are motivated by one or more of these needs and that the strength of each need varies among individuals. Option A is incorrect because belonging is a subset of the affiliation need category. Option C is incorrect because acceptance is not a primary need category in this model. Option D is incorrect because wealth is not a primary need category in this model either.

Question 5

A college professor believes her teachings in her management course influence the lives of her students. Which core job dimension is demonstrated?

Accepted Answer

Task significance is the degree to which a job has a substantial impact on the lives or work of other people. The college professor believes her teachings will influence the lives of her students, which demonstrates the core job dimension of task significance.

Question 6

Explain the logic underlying Maslow's hierarchy of needs. How does the theory apply to individuals?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the logic underlying Maslow's hierarchy of...

Question 7

Which of the following job changes results in increased autonomy, task identity, and feedback?

Accepted Answer

Established client relationships often lead to increased autonomy, task identity, and feedback as employees have more control over their work, see the impact of their efforts, and receive direct feedback from clients.

Question 8

Gambling uses which form of the reward reinforcement schedule?

Accepted Answer

Gambling uses a partial reinforcement schedule, where rewards are given intermittently and unpredictably. This creates a sense of anticipation and excitement, which can lead to addictive behavior. Continuous reinforcement would not be effective in gambling because players would quickly become bored and lose interest. Equity and fairness are not relevant to the reinforcement schedule used in gambling.

Question 9

You have noticed that your employee is not performing at the level you had hoped. In fact, you have determined his poor performance is due to a lack of ability. Explain (in the order that they should be utilized) the five tools an effective manager would employ in this situation.

Accepted Answer

The answer of You have noticed that your employee is...

Question 10

Which of the following does not apply to individuals with high institutional power needs?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with high institutional power needs do not enjoy accomplishing tasks in a random manner. They prefer to have a clear sense of direction and purpose in their work.

Question 11

What is a calling orientation, and how does it impact employee motivation?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is a calling orientation, and how...

Question 12

What is an overall conclusion related to motivation?

Accepted Answer

This conclusion suggests that people's lack of motivation can stem from a lack of belief in the relationship between hard work and rewards. It does not suggest that poor performance is solely due to personality or that all people find the same things rewarding.

Question 13

You are conducting a planning session with Mary Ellen, who reports to you. You've asked her to come prepared with a personal goal for the next quarter. When you ask her to share her goal, she says, "I want to put much more effort into customer satisfaction." How do you evaluate the effectiveness of Mary Ellen's goal?

Accepted Answer

The answer of You are conducting a planning session with...

Question 14

What is an overall conclusion related to motivation?

Accepted Answer

Both the employee's satisfaction and performance should be of equal importance to the manager. This is because satisfied employees are likely to perform better and dissatisfaction can lead to decreased performance. Therefore, managers should strive to create a work environment that fosters both satisfaction and high levels of performance. Theory X, on the other hand, assumes that employees must be closely monitored and that they only work for extrinsic rewards like money, and has been largely discredited.

Question 15

Gale works for 2 hours and earns $30. Allison also earns $30, but for 3 hours of work. Equity theory predicts which of the following might happen when Gale and Allison become aware of each other's earnings: I. Gale will ask for a raise
II. Allison will reduce her effort
III. Gale will reduce her effort
IV. Allison will ask for a raise
V. Allison will perceive an inequity

Accepted Answer

Equity theory predicts that individuals compare their inputs (such as hours worked) and outcomes (such as pay) with those of others, and if they perceive an inequity, they may try to restore balance. Since Gale and Allison are earning the same amount, but Allison is working for longer, she may perceive an inequity and reduce her effort. Similarly, Gale may also reduce her effort, and both may ask for a raise to restore balance. Therefore, options II, IV, and V are correct, and the best choice is C. Option I is not applicable since Gale already earns the same amount as Allison. Option III is also unlikely since Gale's effort is already leading to the desired outcome (pay) and reducing it would not make sense.

Question 16

In equity theory, what is important?

Accepted Answer

Equity theory proposes that individuals compare their own inputs (such as efforts, contributions, and investments) and outcomes (such as rewards, recognition, and benefits) to those of others in their social comparison groups. Thus, social comparison of rewards and efforts is important in determining whether individuals perceive fairness or inequality in their exchange relationships. Equality of rewards or efforts alone may not necessarily lead to equitable outcomes, as some individuals may view their contributions as more valuable or their needs as more pressing than others. Similarly, absolute value of rewards may not be the most significant determinant of perceived fairness, as people evaluate rewards in relation to their expectations and standards.

Question 17

If you were designing a reward program for your employees, what assumptions could you make?

Accepted Answer

A cafeteria-style incentive program is a good assumption as it offers employees a range of reward options to choose from, catering to individuals' unique preferences and needs. Assumptions A, B, and D are incorrect as employees have their unique preferences, and assumptions of homogenous preferences according to demographics or the manager's own values could lead to unintended consequences, such as low motivation and job satisfaction.

Question 18

The manager of a shoe store says, "My employees are worthless. None of them has a lick of motivation. That's why this store isn't making any money." How could you use the formula for performance at the beginning of the chapter to challenge this manager's perspective?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The manager of a shoe store says,...

Question 19

Are concerns about employee morale and company productivity compatible or are they mutually exclusive?
 Compare and contrast the types of outcomes that can result from placing a different emphasis on both job performance and job satisfaction.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Are concerns about employee morale and company...

Question 20

A manager at a local fast-food restaurant decides to motivate all his employees by allowing them to eat the food free of charge. Will this reward motivate employees?

Accepted Answer

While some employees may be motivated by the offer of free food, others may not find it to be a significant enough reward. Additionally, if the manager is not careful in how they distribute the food, this reward could lead to resentment or accusations of favoritism, which could ultimately have a demotivating effect. In order to effectively motivate employees, it's important to offer rewards that are meaningful and valued by all employees, and to ensure that those rewards are distributed fairly and transparently.

Quiz 6: Motivating Performance

According to the hierarchical needs theory, needs are organized into which hierarchy?

Five core job characteristics are most strongly related to job satisfaction. Which of the following is one of those characteristics?

According to the manifest needs model, needs are organized into which hierarchy?

A college professor believes her teachings in her management course influence the lives of her students. Which core job dimension is demonstrated?

Explain the logic underlying Maslow's hierarchy of needs. How does the theory apply to individuals?

Which of the following job changes results in increased autonomy, task identity, and feedback?

Gambling uses which form of the reward reinforcement schedule?

You have noticed that your employee is not performing at the level you had hoped. In fact, you have determined his poor performance is due to a lack of ability. Explain (in the order that they should be utilized) the five tools an effective manager would employ in this situation.

Which of the following does not apply to individuals with high institutional power needs?

What is a calling orientation, and how does it impact employee motivation?

What is an overall conclusion related to motivation?

What is an overall conclusion related to motivation?

In equity theory, what is important?

If you were designing a reward program for your employees, what assumptions could you make?

The manager of a shoe store says, "My employees are worthless. None of them has a lick of motivation. That's why this store isn't making any money." How could you use the formula for performance at the beginning of the chapter to challenge this manager's perspective?

Are concerns about employee morale and company productivity compatible or are they mutually exclusive? Compare and contrast the types of outcomes that can result from placing a different emphasis on both job performance and job satisfaction.

A manager at a local fast-food restaurant decides to motivate all his employees by allowing them to eat the food free of charge. Will this reward motivate employees?