Deck 14: Motivation

Question 1

Many perceive the Equity Theory as a dangerous theory and one that management absolutely must understand. What is the theory's guiding premise and why is it that management needs to be very focused on the principles of this motivation theory?

Answer 1

The equity theory looks at an individual's perceived fairness of an employment situation and finds that perceived inequities can lead to changes in behavior. When individuals believe they have been treated unfairly, in comparison with their coworkers, they will react in a way to try to right the inequity. These can include changing their work outputs to better match the rewards they are receiving, trying to change the compensation they receive for their work by asking for a raise or taking legal action, attempting to change the actual inequality or their perceptions of the inequality, or even leave the situation to try to change it.
The danger with this theory is that managers don't know which coworker their employees are comparing themselves to or when the comparison is taking place. Additionally, perceptions of inequality can arise in any number of management situations, including work assignments, promotions, ratings reports, and office assignments. They tend to occur most often in pay, however. These situations present another issue because they all deal with people's feelings of their self-worth. What is a minor inequity in the mind of a manager can loom as extremely important in the mind of an employee. Therefore, effective managers strive to deal with equity issues because the steps employees take to balance the scales are often far from beneficial for their organizations.

Question 2

List the process theories of motivation.

Answer 2

A process theory of motivation is an explanation of motivation that emphasizes how individuals are motivated. Process theories focus, essentially, on the steps that occur when an individual is motivated.
The four important theories that describe how motivation occurs include:
1. Needs-goal theory
2. Vroom expectancy theory
3. Equity theory
4. Porter-Lawler theory

Question 3

Define motivation and the two basic types of motivation theories.

Answer 3

Motivation is the inner state that causes an individual to behave in a way that ensures the accomplishment of some goal. In other words, motivation explains why people act as they do.
The motivation theories can be categorized into two basic types: process theories and content theories.
A process theory of motivation is an explanation of motivation that emphasizes how individuals are motivated. Process theories focus, essentially, on the steps that occur when an individual is motivated.
A content theory of motivation is an explanation of motivation that emphasizes people's internal characteristics. Content theories focus on understanding what needs people have and how these needs can be satisfied.

Question 4

The difference between needs-goal theory and Vroom's expectancy theory is that Vroom's theory ________.

A) addresses the issue of motivation strength
B) considers issues of equity
C) separates motivators into intrinsic and extrinsic rewards
D) establishes a hierarchy of needs
E) deals with how needs are "acquired"

Question 5

According to the Vroom expectancy theory, motivation strength ________.

A) depends on an individual's perceived fairness of an employment situation and finds that perceived inequities can lead to changes in behavior
B) is decreased as the perceived value of the result of behavior is increased
C) causes people to quit jobs if they perceive unfair treatment
D) is determined by the perceived value of the result of performing a behavior and the perceived probability the behavior will cause the result to materialize
E) only increases when people want to maximize their personal rewards over the short term

Question 6

The most fundamental motivation theory that begins with an individual feeling a need is ________.

A) ERG theory
B) equity theory
C) Herzberg's two-factor theory
D) needs-goal theory
E) Porter-Lawler theory

Question 7

Leadership is the inner state that causes an individual to behave in a way that ensures the accomplishment of some goal.

Question 8

The theory based on the concept that individuals compare their inputs and outcomes with their coworkers to determine if they are being treated fairly is the ________.

A) expectancy theory
B) ERG theory
C) equity theory of motivation
D) Porter-Lawler theory of motivation
E) acquired needs theory

Question 9

________ is an explanation of motivation that emphasizes how individuals are motivated.

A) A content theory of motivation
B) Behavior modification theory
C) A process theory of motivation
D) ERG theory
E) Theory X

Question 10

Content theories of motivation ________.

A) are explanations that emphasize peoples' internal characteristics
B) are explanations that emphasize how individuals are motivated
C) include the needs-goal theory and the Vroom expectancy theory of motivation
D) include Skinner's work on behavior modification
E) can collectively be used to identify all human needs

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of an intrinsic reward?

A) salary hikes for all the employees
B) constructing a new and better work environment
C) fulfilling the security needs of an employee
D) sense of achievement when attaining an organizational goal
E) providing employees with performance incentives

Question 12

The theory which stresses on the fact that the perceived value of a reward is determined by both intrinsic and extrinsic rewards is ________.

A) Porter-Lawler theory of motivation
B) equity theory
C) expectancy theory
D) acquired need theory
E) needs-goal theory

Question 13

Which of the following theories describes how motivation occurs?

A) Maslow's hierarchy of needs
B) Vroom expectancy theory
C) Alderfer's ERG theory
D) McClelland's acquired needs theory
E) Argyris's maturity-immaturity continuum

Question 14

________ is the inner state that causes an individual to behave in a way that ensures the accomplishment of some goal.

A) Cognitive dissonance
B) Motivation
C) Socialization
D) Achievement
E) Emotion

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of an extrinsic reward?

A) personal satisfaction of helping a peer
B) providing an opportunity for advancement
C) getting a salary increment
D) giving an employee a challenging responsibility
E) a sense of achievement when an employee's performance rating increases

Question 16

A process theory of motivation is an explanation of motivation that emphasizes people's personality and characteristics.

Question 17

Which of the following is a process theory of motivation?

A) Porter-Lawler theory
B) Alderfer's ERG theory
C) Maslow's hierarchy of needs
D) McClelland's acquired needs theory
E) Argyris's maturity-immaturity continuum

Question 18

According to equity theory, the only way people react when treated unfairly at work is seeking employment elsewhere.

Question 19

________ rewards are those that come directly from performing a task.

A) Equity
B) Piece-rate
C) Extrinsic
D) Intrinsic
E) Expectancies

Question 20

Joe is disappointed when his teammate Tim gets promoted because he feels that he has worked harder and is more deserving of the promotion. Which of the following will most likely help Joe to overcome this sense of inequity?

A) He should encourage Tim to reduce his level of effort.
B) He should avoid distorting the status of his job.
C) He should reduce his level of effort.
D) He should avoid rationalizing the reason behind Tim's promotion.
E) He should increase his level of effort.

Question 21

According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, once someone has fulfilled his social needs, he would then be motivated to meet his ________.

A) security needs
B) self-actualization needs
C) esteem needs
D) physiological needs
E) safety needs

Question 22

When an individual leaves an organization to start up a company because the former did not provide room for the growth or development of his potential, Maslow's theory would predict that the individual is being motivated by ________.

A) self-actualization needs
B) esteem needs
C) social needs
D) security needs
E) physiological needs

Question 23

Which of the following theories was developed to counter the criticisms of and expand on Maslow's hierarchy of needs?

A) Argyris's maturity-immaturity continuum
B) Porter-Lawler theory of motivation
C) Vroom expectancy theory
D) Alderfer's ERG theory
E) McClelland's acquired needs theory

Question 24

A self-actualization need ________.

A) relates to the normal functioning of the body
B) reflects a person's desire to be accepted by others
C) relates to the individual's desire to be free from harm, including both bodily and economic disaster
D) refers to the desire to maximize whatever potential an individual possesses
E) is divided into self-respect and respect from others

Question 25

According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, a person's desire to be accepted by others is reflected by the ________.

A) esteem need
B) social need
C) security need
D) physiological need
E) self- actualization need

Question 26

The ________ need of Maslow's hierarchy of needs relates to the individual's desire to be free from harm, including both bodily and economic disaster.

A) security
B) social
C) physiological
D) esteem
E) self- actualization

Question 27

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs has been criticized because ________.

A) it is questionable whether human needs can be arranged in such a hierarchy
B) the model is too complicated
C) no one ever reaches self-actualization
D) research suggests that esteem needs should be above all other needs
E) it is too objective a description of human needs

Question 28

The ________ need of Maslow's hierarchy of needs is generally divided into two categories: self-respect and respect from others.

A) esteem
B) psychological
C) physiological
D) social
E) self-actualization

Question 29

A tire manufacturing company's policy states that all employees working on machines and directly involved in production are entitled to an additional half-hour break along with a 40-minute lunch break. In this scenario, the company is satisfying the ________ of the employees.

A) physiological need
B) social need
C) security need
D) esteem need
E) self-actualization need

Question 30

________ needs are satisfied through adequate wages or salaries paid by the management.

A) Security and self-actualization
B) Physiological and self-actualization
C) Social and psychological
D) Physiological and security
E) Self-actualization and social

Question 31

Which of the following theories is a content theory of motivation?

A) needs-goal theory
B) equity theory
C) Argyris's maturity-immaturity continuum
D) Vroom expectancy theory
E) Porter-Lawler theory

Question 32

A well-known brand management company is emphasizing creating a sense of community within their organization via team-based projects and various cultural events to promote a friendly atmosphere. Under the given circumstance, which of the following of Maslow's hierarchy of needs is the company emphasizing?

A) self-actualization need
B) esteem need
C) physiological need
D) social need
E) security need

Question 33

Which of the following is a basic category of need identified by Clayton Alderfer in his ERG theory?

A) esteem, relatedness, and goal
B) existence, relatedness, and growth
C) existence, recognition, and growth
D) esteem, recognition, and goal
E) existence, relatedness, and goal

Question 34

According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which of the following needs includes the needs for water, food, rest, shelter, and air?

A) social need
B) physiological need
C) security need
D) psychological need
E) esteem need

Question 35

In Maslow's hierarchy of needs, a social need ________.

A) relates to the individual's desire to be free from harm
B) is concerned with the desire for respect
C) includes the desire for love, companionship, and friendship
D) relates to the normal functioning of the body
E) refers to the desire to maximize whatever potential an individual possesses

Question 36

In a non-profit public setting of a high school, a principal who strives to outdo her predecessors and become the best principal possible would be satisfying his ________.

A) psychological needs
B) esteem needs
C) social needs
D) self-actualization needs
E) physiological needs

Question 37

Henry Robert's phenomenal contribution to the project was recognized by his boss. Appreciating Robert's contribution, his boss promoted him to the position of team leader for their upcoming project and vested upon him the responsibility of heading a team of 15 members. In accordance with Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which of the following needs of Robert's has been satisfied?

A) social need
B) physiological need
C) esteem need
D) psychological need
E) security need

Question 38

A toy manufacturing company providing its employees with job security, health insurance, and retirement benefits is concerned about its employees' ________.

A) esteem needs
B) safety needs
C) physiological needs
D) social needs
E) self-actualization needs

Question 39

According to Maslow, if an individual is driven to get respect from others, the person is being motivated by the ________.

A) self-actualization needs
B) esteem needs
C) social needs
D) security needs
E) physiological needs

Question 40

The correct order of Maslow's hierarchy of needs is ________.

A) physiological, social, esteem, security, self-actualization
B) social, physiological, self-actualization, esteem, security
C) physiological, security, social, esteem, self-actualization
D) security, physiological, social, esteem, self-actualization
E) self-actualization, social, esteem, security, physiological

Question 41

Which of the following behaviors is an attempt to relieve tension and frustration on the part of an employee who lacks motivation due to unsatisfied needs?

A) greater efficiency
B) increased aggression
C) increased productivity
D) competitive behavior
E) reduced absenteeism

Question 42

According to McClelland, people who have the desire to maintain close, friendly, and personal relationships have a high need for ________.

A) affiliation
B) power
C) achievement
D) dominance
E) growth

Question 43

To maximize satisfaction, people with a high need for achievement are more likely to set goals that are ________.

A) challenging and achievable
B) risk-laden
C) unachievable
D) realistic but less challenging
E) failure-prone

Question 44

In Alderfer's ERG theory, the need for continuing personal development refers to the ________.

A) growth need
B) emotional need
C) existence need
D) relatedness need
E) esteem need

Question 45

Managers with a high need for affiliation are autocratic and prefer to get the tasks done themselves.

Question 46

In Alderfer's ERG theory, the need for satisfying interpersonal relationships is the ________.

A) esteem need
B) existence need
C) growth need
D) emotional need
E) relatedness need

Question 47

The personal and natural development of people to explain human needs is the primary focus of the ________.

A) Argyris's maturity-immaturity continuum
B) Alderfer's ERG theory
C) Vroom expectancy theory
D) Herzberg's two-factor theory
E) McClelland's acquired needs theory

Question 48

Why is it managers must be concerned about the motivation of their employees above and beyond the paychecks employees receive in return for their labor?

Question 49

In Alderfer's ERG theory, which of the following refers to the need for physical wellbeing?

A) relatedness need
B) esteem need
C) existence need
D) growth need
E) goal need

Question 50

List the categories of needs identified by Alderfer in his ERG theory.

Question 51

In reality, managers do not motivate people. Rather, they create environments in which organization members motivate themselves.

Question 52

According to McClelland, people who have the desire to influence other people and assume responsibility for others have a high need for ________.

A) achievement
B) affiliation
C) power
D) dominance
E) acceptance

Question 53

Concerns about Maslow's Hierarchy should remind managers to look upon the hierarchy more as a/an ________ statement than as a/an ________ description of human needs.

A) subjective; objective
B) objective; subjective
C) subjective; content
D) content; subjective
E) objective; process

Question 54

According to McClelland's acquired needs theory, an individual who is greatly motivated to influence others and to assume responsibility for subordinates' behavior has a ________.

A) high need for achievement
B) low need for security
C) high need for power
D) low need for safety
E) high need for affiliation

Question 55

According to Argyris' continuum, as individuals progress from immaturity to maturity, they ________.

A) indulge in more activities
B) have a short-term perspective
C) have casual and shallow interests
D) stay in a state of dependence
E) remain passive

Question 56

A self-actualization need refers to the desire to maximize whatever potential an individual possesses.

Question 57

According to McClelland's acquired needs theory, a manager who has a cooperative, team-centered management style, who prefers to influence subordinates to complete tasks through team efforts, has a high need for ________.

A) risk
B) power
C) affiliation
D) safety
E) security

Question 58

According to McClelland, people who have the desire to do something better or more efficiently than it has ever been done before have a high need for ________.

A) dominance
B) achievement
C) power
D) affiliation
E) acceptance

Question 59

Alderfer's relatedness needs relate to Maslow's ________ needs.

A) physiological
B) safety/security
C) social
D) esteem
E) self-actualization

Question 60

Maslow would tell us humans are wanting human beings who want their ________ to be satisfied.

A) interests
B) desires
C) needs
D) opportunities
E) incomes

Question 61

According to Herzberg, the factors influencing the degree of job satisfaction are called ________.

A) theory Y factors
B) maintenance factors
C) motivating factors
D) theory X factors
E) factors related to the work environment

Question 62

________ focuses on encouraging appropriate actions by controlling the consequences of those actions.

A) Job enrichment
B) Needs-goal theory
C) Behavior modification
D) Reinforcement
E) Flextime

Question 63

Which theory is a set of essentially positive assumptions about human nature?

A) theory X
B) theory Y
C) theory Z
D) equity theory
E) expectancy theory

Question 64

Which of the following statements is true about system 2 of Likert's management systems?

A) This style is characterized by substantial, though not complete, confidence in subordinates.
B) This style of management is characterized by a condescending master-to-servant-style confidence and trust in subordinates.
C) This style of management is characterized by complete trust and confidence in subordinates.
D) Subordinates are motivated by fear, threats, punishments, and occasional rewards.
E) Subordinates feel fairly free to discuss their jobs with superiors and are motivated by rewards, occasional punishments, and some involvement.

Question 65

A disadvantage of using flextime programs is ________.

A) higher commuting problems
B) decreased tardiness
C) inability to coordinate projects
D) increased absenteeism
E) decreased employee morale

Question 66

Eddie Burns is the accounts manager of Avatar Inc., and a very optimistic person. He knows what he wants from his subordinates and believes that they will always do their best to get the work done. Eddie's behavior is consistent with the ________.

A) theory Y
B) theory Z
C) theory X
D) equity theory
E) expectancy theory

Question 67

Rolfo Company offers its employees the opportunity to buy shares of the company stock as a way to motivate them to boost production. This kind of a program is called ________.

A) job enrichment
B) self-actualization
C) employee stock ownership plans (ESOP)
D) an individual retirement account (IRA)
E) a non-monetary incentive

Question 68

The process of moving workers from one job to another rather than requiring them to perform only one simple and specialized job over the long run is ________.

A) team management
B) job enlargement
C) job enrichment
D) job rotation
E) cross training

Question 69

When Jenn Williams joined Conrad Inc. as a business analyst, she was very happy with her job profile and the pay package. However, one year into the job has made her realize that this is not her cup of tea. While she has a good relationship with her coworkers and her supervisors are understanding, she feels that her hard work often goes unnoticed. Being an ambitious person herself, this lack of acknowledgment is unsettling. Which of the following is most likely to be true in this scenario?

A) Jenn has a high need for affiliation.
B) Conrad Inc. excessively promotes job enrichment.
C) Jenn has the tendency to blame external factors when things go wrong.
D) Jenn is motivated by extrinsic rewards.
E) Conrad Inc. focuses more on hygiene factors than motivating factors.

Question 70

A reward that consists of the elimination of an undesirable consequence of behavior is ________.

A) punishment
B) negative reinforcement
C) exemption
D) omission training
E) immunity

Question 71

The most basic motivation strategy for managers is ________.

A) Theory X - Theory Y
B) behavior modification
C) managerial communication
D) non-monetary incentives
E) the need for self-actualization

Question 72

________ involves negative assumptions about people that managers often use as a basis for dealing with their subordinates.

A) Theory X
B) Theory Y
C) Theory Z
D) Theory XY
E) Equity theory

Question 73

Incorporating motivators into a job situation is ________.

A) job rotation
B) job enlargement
C) job enrichment
D) total quality management
E) project management

Question 74

In Likert's Management System, which management style can be categorized by a lack of confidence or trust in subordinates, with the bulk of all decision making being done at the top of the organization?

A) System 1
B) System 2
C) System 3
D) System 4
E) System 5

Question 75

________ is a reward that consists of a desirable consequence of behavior.

A) Positive reinforcement
B) Promotion
C) Punishment
D) Immunity
E) Omission training

Question 76

A manager in an IT company believes that his team members are inherently lazy, dislike work, and will avoid work if they can. He relies heavily on threat and coercion to gain their compliance. Which of the following theories of human motivation is evident here?

A) theory Z
B) theory XY
C) theory X
D) theory Y
E) equity theory

Question 77

The items that influence the degree of job dissatisfaction are called ________.

A) maintenance factors
B) motivating factors
C) growth needs
D) monetary incentives
E) existence needs

Question 78

________ is the presentation of an undesirable behavior consequence or the removal of a desirable behavior consequence that decreases the likelihood the behavior will continue.

A) Positive reinforcement
B) Negative reinforcement
C) Punishment
D) Extinction
E) Manipulation

Question 79

The process of increasing the number of operations an individual performs in a job is ________.

A) team management
B) job enlargement
C) job enrichment
D) cross training
E) job rotation

Question 80

________ gives employees a reason to perform while ________ influences employees to voluntarily perform.

A) Leadership; Motivation
B) Communication; Leadership
C) Motivation; Communication
D) Motivation; Leadership
E) Discipline; Leadership