Deck 6: Motivating Others

Question 1

Effective goal programs are specific,consistent,and provide feedback.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

Ability equals aptitude multiplied by training and commitment.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

In her job as customer service representative,Angela is tenacious in her efforts,but her overall performance lacks creativity.Thus,Angela is committed to her job but exhibits low desire.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

You have recently been promoted to a managerial position.One of your new peers comments,"Sometimes you just have to ignore unacceptable behavior of your employees.That way,it just goes away all by itself." Based on the text,you should believe this is good advice.

Question 5

The principal tools available for overcoming poor performance problems due to lack of ability are resupply,retrain,refit,reassign,and release.

Question 6

In dealing with an employee that is performing below expectations,a manager should first reprimand and then redirect the employee's behavior.

Question 7

You have noticed that your boss,Eric,has become very defensive and is constantly reminding you how things were done when he was in your shoes.These signs indicate that Eric has minimal desire.

Question 8

The level of involvement a manager utilizes should depend on the nature of the work and the ability and experience of the employee.

Question 9

According to one perspective,the best way to change an individual's behavior in the work environment is to change his or her manager's behavior.

Question 10

When a supervisor analyzes the components of his or her subordinate's job and creates different combinations of tasks,the manager has used the refitting option.

Question 11

There appears to be more violence in the workplace than ever before.Even some of the equipment has been sabotaged.The imposing style of management could contribute to this situation.

Question 12

The path-goal theory of leadership suggests that the level of managerial involvement in subordinates' tasks should depend on the manager's view of what employees expect in terms of his or her involvement.

Question 13

To change a person's ability,the manager should make sure resources are available for the job.

Question 14

Greg typically returns late from his break periods.As Greg's manager,you should first point out how the behavior has impacted the work unit and then identify which behavior has caused the problem.

Question 15

As manager,Alisha is responsible for designing a bonus program to reward all the employees in her sales unit.A key factor she should consider is whether the bonus should be linked to group performance or individual performance.

Question 16

Ignoring inappropriate behavior as a means of changing behavior often doesn't work because the nonresponse may be seen as positive reinforcement.

Question 17

The first diagnostic question that must be asked by a supervisor of a poor performer is whether the person's performance deficiencies stem from lack of commitment or lack of motivation.

Question 18

An example of a well-stated goal is "to reduce the average shipment period from five days to two days by the end of the year."

Question 19

Your boss believes in close supervision and that people really don't want to work hard.He has a Theory Z view.

Question 20

To encourage Elaine's initiative on the group project,her boss,Barry,should tell her that she alone is totally responsible for her success.

Question 21

Feelings of equity can be influenced by peer pressure.

Question 22

Assume George is a poor performer.You have already provided the necessary resources and training he needs to do the job,yet his performance continues to decline.What is the next step?

A)Release George-How many chances does a person get?
B)Redesign the job
C)Reassign George to another position
D)Place George in a place where his performance will not hurt the company

Question 23

As a manager,if your objective is to understand what motivates an employee in your work group,you should concentrate primarily on demographic variables,such as race,sex,education,and age.

Question 24

The most effective rewards are based on (1)the length of time between the occurrence of the desirable behavior and the receipt of the reward and (2)the applicability of the reward to all employees.

Question 25

You have observed Sally's performance for a few months.There is no doubt about her effort;it is evident she tries very hard.However,there doesn't appear to be any improvement in her performance since you have been watching.What should you conclude?

A)This is a desire issue.
B)This is an ability issue.
C)This is a commitment issue.
D)She is a terrible employee and should be let go as soon as possible.

Question 26

After interviewing a candidate for a job,the interviewing manager decides that he likes the candidate.He finds his personality exceptional.When the manager refers to the candidate's personality,to what is he referring?

A)Aptitude
B)Desire
C)Commitment
D)Motivation
E)Training

Question 27

Allowing an employee to telecommute increases the critical psychological state of experienced meaningfulness of the work.

Question 28

If you are trying to determine whether a person's performance is related to a lack of ability or motivation,what should you be concerned about?

A)Be concerned with how much improvement the individual has made over time
B)Be concerned with how you would have done the job
C)Be concerned with how well co-workers have done the same job
D)Be concerned with the amount of available resources

Question 29

The more an employee can perform a complete job from beginning to end and the more the work has a direct effect on the work of other people,the more the employee will view the job as meaningful.

Question 30

When asking if an employee's poor performance is due to lack of ability or lack of motivation,a supervisor should consider (1)the difficulty of the task, (2)whether the employee is trying or not,and (3)how the employee's co-worker,who has similar ability and motivation,is doing on the job.Which statements are correct?

A)All three statements are correct.
B)Only statements 1 and 2 are correct.
C)Only statements 1 and 3 are correct.
D)Only statements 2 and 3 are correct.
E)Only statement 2 is correct.

Question 31

Having determined that June's poor work performance is related to a lack of ability,what is the first question you should ask?

A)Why does June have a poor attitude?
B)Does June lack commitment?
C)Does June have the resources to do the job?
D)Why doesn't June try harder?

Question 32

Elise successfully led her team to reaching the weekly sales quota.Elise is likely to experience a feeling of accomplishment,which is an intrinsic outcome.

Question 33

Aptitude is (1)the native skills and abilities a person brings to the job, (2)the physical and mental capabilities of a person,and (3)the personality characteristics a person has for people-oriented jobs.Which statements are correct?

A)All three statements are correct.
B)Only statements 1 and 2 are correct.
C)Only statements 1 and 3 are correct.
D)Only statements 2 and 3 are correct.
E)Only statement 3 is correct.

Question 34

When poor performance is due to an employee's lack of ability,what is the least threatening option?

A)Release
B)Retrain
C)Resupply
D)Refit
E)Reassign

Question 35

Once a manager has determined that the reason for the poor performance is due to a lack of ability,in what order should the manager explore options?

A)(1)Redesign the job,(2)retrain the individual,and (3)move the individual to another position.
B)(1)Retrain the individual,(2)redesign the job,and (3)determine if the resources are adequate.
C)(1)Determine if the resources are adequate,(2)retrain the individual,and (3)redesign the job.
D)(1)Determine if the resources are adequate,(2)redesign the job,and (3)retrain the individual.

Question 36

If you saw your manager retreat to his technical specialty and continually focus on how things were done in the past,what would this signal?

A)The manager's desire has deteriorated.
B)The manager's ability has deteriorated.
C)The manager lacks the necessary resources and support to do his job.
D)The manager's talent has deteriorated.

Question 37

The willingness of employees to work 70 hours per week is likely to be contingent on the owners of the business to provide an appropriate reward,such as stock options,in a timely manner.

Question 38

Research supports the proposition that employee preferences for rewards can differ based on their position in the organization,age,seniority,educational level,and marital status.

Question 39

When assessing equity and fairness,one of the most important things a manager must evaluate is the perceptions of his or her employees.

Question 40

According to Murray's manifest needs model,the needs of individuals in the workplace include the needs for achievement,affiliation,and power.

Question 41

The situation has high task structure,the employees have experience,and there are strong group norms.What would be the appropriate management involvement?

A)Involved in the details of employees' job performance
B)Less involved-high involvement is not necessary or expected.
C)Less involved-high involvement is necessary and expected.
D)Be involved-high involvement is necessary and expected.

Question 42

Your boss remarks,"The key to an effective motivational program is that it must increase both job satisfaction and work productivity.How should you respond?

A)"Yes,but another important variable is interpersonal relationships."
B)"No,the program should only focus on productivity.We do not want to encourage an indulging management style."
C)"Yes,but the program should only focus on satisfaction.We do not want to encourage an imposing management style."
D)"Yes,I agree."

Question 43

Morgan has decided to set the following goals: To earn an A in her management course this semester,to make the dean's list,and to not only keep up with the readings but to contribute something to the class discussion each time.What criteria have Morgan's goals satisfied?

A)Measurable,unambiguous,and behavioral
B)Consistent
C)Appropriately challenging
D)All the answer choices are correct.

Question 44

Assume Carrie is a poor performer.You have already provided the necessary resources,redesigned her job,and provided her with training,yet her performance is lacking.What is the next step?

A)Release Carrie
B)Refit Carrie's job
C)Reassign Carrie to another position
D)Place Carrie in a position where her performance will not hurt the company

Question 45

You have recently noticed that your employees seem to be either requesting or demanding favors from management.More importantly,performance has been flat during that same time.Potentially,which style of management has been employed?

A)Imposing
B)Ignoring
C)Indulging
D)Integrating

Question 46

You paint the eyes on Barbie dolls,a job you have performed for three years.The task is fairly easy and very structured (only three colors and there is only one place to paint them).What do you need from management?

A)Very little advice and instruction
B)Direction and strong involvement,a hands-on approach
C)Strong leadership.Managers need to constantly monitor the situation so they will be available in case something comes up.

Question 47

The book lays out a step-by-step program for an effective motivational program.If a manager has a Theory X outlook,would he/she buy into this program?

A)Yes
B)No
C)There is not enough information to make a decision.

Question 48

Assumptions underlying the elements of an effective motivation program are (1)employees don't want to work hard or assume responsibility, (2)establish easy goals first,and (3)make sure the program discriminates between high performers and low or average performers.Which statements are correct?

A)All three statements are correct.
B)Only statements 1 and 2 are correct.
C)Only statements 1 and 3 are correct.
D)Only statements 2 and 3 are correct.
E)Only statement 3 is correct.

Question 49

According to the path-goal theory of leadership,the level of involvement a manager utilizes should (1)be the same for all employees in the department, (2)be either low or high management involvement regardless of the circumstances,and (3)not be influenced by subordinates' expectations.Which statements are correct?

A)All the statements are correct.
B)Statement 1 is correct.
C)Statements 2 and 3 are correct.
D)Statements 1 and 3 are correct.
E)None of the statements is correct.

Question 50

What should effective motivational programs do in terms of offering rewards?

A)Make a distinction between workers based on seniority
B)Not make a distinction between workers
C)Make a distinction between workers based on effort
D)Make a distinction between workers based on performance regardless of effort

Question 51

According to the path-goal theory of leadership,the level of involvement by a manager is dependent on (1)the subordinate's desire for autonomy, (2)how structured the task is,and (3)how much help is already available from the organization.Which statements are correct?

A)All three statements are correct.
B)Only statements 1 and 2 are correct.
C)Only statements 2 and 3 are correct.
D)Only statements 1 and 3 are correct.
E)Only statement 2 is correct.

Question 52

You are a sales manager.One of your salespeople is named Reggie.He has 10 years of experience and appears to be very capable.He rarely calls you,and sales in his district are always good.You know sales lacks routine and one could say the tasks change from day to day.What type of management involvement does Reggie need?

A)High involvement-the task is definitely not structured.
B)Low involvement-Reggie's desire of autonomy is low.
C)Low involvement-Reggie's desire for autonomy,his experience,ability,and task mastery are all high.
D)High involvement-Reggie's desire for autonomy,his experience,ability,and task mastery are all high.
E)You can't tell from the information given.

Question 53

Your boss tells you,"People want to do a good job.Think about this.Do you know anyone who takes a career job and says,'I think I'll just sit here and not do any work until they tell me what to do'? No,most people want to work and assume responsibility.So,why is it that people become unmotivated?"

A)Your boss has a Theory Y outlook.
B)Your boss has a Theory X outlook.
C)Your boss has a Theory Z outlook.
D)Your boss has deteriorating ability.

Question 54

An effective goal program has goals that are specific,consistent,and appropriately challenging.What is missing?

A)Motivation
B)Autonomy
C)Feedback
D)Fairness

Question 55

According to the path-goal theory of leadership,if the task structure is low,what should management involvement with employees be?

A)Low,because the task is clearly defined.The employees know their jobs.
B)High,because management should always be involved,directing the process.That is what managers do.
C)Low and therefore more challenging to the employees.
D)High,because management involvement will be seen as both constructive and satisfying.

Question 56

Mary has decided to set the following goal: To do the best she can in her management class this semester and to keep up with the readings.Mary's goal satisfies which criteria?

A)Being measurable and behavioral
B)Being consistent
C)Being appropriately challenging
D)Being specific

Question 57

Three simple questions that a manager should ask his or her employees periodically are (1)What are you doing and why? (2)What do you enjoy the most/least? and (3)What can I do to help you do your job better? Which statements are correct?

A)All the questions are correct.
B)Question 1 is correct.
C)Questions 2 and 3 are correct.
D)Questions 1 and 2 are correct.
E)Question 2 is correct.

Question 58

What is the management philosophy the textbook promotes?

A)The manager is the main focus,much like a quarterback on a football team who expects the rest of the team to make him look good.
B)The manager is a facilitator,much like an offensive lineman who clears obstacles away that confront employees.
C)Theory X is the appropriate theory to utilize in today's work environment.

Question 59

What is a management style that offers no direction or priorities for the employees?

A)Indulging
B)Imposing
C)Ignoring
D)Integrating

Question 60

You received your Ph.D.from a prestigious state university that had competitive admissions,where students graduated in the top 10 percent of their high school class,and where both students and teachers had high expectations for the student.You now teach at an open admissions school.Students here graduated anywhere from the bottom 10 percent to the top 10 percent.What expectations should you have for these students?

A)Lower,they graduated lower in their high school class (on average anyway)
B)Lower,they obviously are less intelligent
C)The same as,the past is the past-high expectations generate high performance
D)Lower,high expectations could be too challenging and prove to be frustrating

Question 61

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

A)Identifiable work units
B)Established client relationships
C)Loaded jobs horizontally
D)Open feedback channels

Question 62

An employee's performance is at a level that is not desirable.After reprimanding,what should you do next?

A)Ask questions to determine the cause
B)Describe the behaviors you expect
C)Identify the rewards the employee has missed out on
D)Praise other aspects of the employee's work

Question 63

The financial officer at Stocks R Us demands that his brokers take risk in their stock suggestions.Recently,he had to reduce the portfolio of a broker who missed the mark on a stock (the stock went down)."I must punish undesirable behaviors," he thought to himself.What will the financial officer's actions do?

A)Reinforce his brokers' belief that taking a risk pays off
B)Reinforce undesirable behaviors in his brokers
C)Indicate to his brokers that he supports new ideas
D)Reinforce to his brokers that he ignores stock suggestions

Question 64

What guideline should a firm follow to attain the greatest motivational impact from a new awards programs?

A)Use awards infrequently
B)Only acknowledge current recipients
C)Give the awards privately
D)Make sure the award is meaningful to the families of employees

Question 65

A manager who encourages initiative by reminding employees that their failure means organizational failure should do something different.What should he do?

A)React to employees on an emotional basis
B)Imply his joint stake in the work failure
C)Demand a change or improvement in a firm tone of voice
D)Present facts about organizational needs
E)Redo their plans for them

Question 66

You paint the eyes on Barbie dolls.This is all you do.What you do has little impact on other jobs in your work unit.In this job,what will you likely experience?

A)A low level of meaningfulness of work and low internal motivation
B)A low level of meaningfulness of work and low external motivation
C)A high level of skill variety and low internal motivation
D)A high level of autonomy and high external motivation

Question 67

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

A)Skill variety
B)Competition
C)Task significance
D)Autonomy
E)Feedback

Question 68

When a manager keeps expectations higher than his subordinates' best performance and continually informs them that with a little more effort they can do it,what will the subordinates likely do?

A)Increase their performance because the subordinates see these higher expectations as a challenge
B)Probably burn out because although they try,they never reach the shifting expectations
C)Help create a highly motivated staff
D)Compete against other subordinates

Question 69

When transforming acceptable into exceptional behavior,what should a manager do?

A)Reward only when the exceptional behavior has been reached
B)Reward each level of improvement
C)Use the reprimand and redirect guidelines
D)Reward only when the entire group has reached exceptional behavior

Question 70

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?

A)All the statements are correct.
B)Statement 1 is correct.
C)Statements 2 and 3 are correct.
D)Statements 1 and 2 are correct.

Question 71

What is a possible response of a manager to behaviors exhibited by employees?

A)Ignoring
B)Removing
C)Satisfying
D)Pleasing

Question 72

A manager remarks,"No matter how many external rewards we give our employees,if they find the work to be uninteresting and unfulfilling,performance will suffer." Should you agree or disagree with your boss?

A)Agree
B)Disagree
C)Not enough information to decide

Question 73

An employee is late to work.This is her first time.What should you do first?

A)Ignore her tardiness.It was just her first time.
B)Ask her why she was late.
C)Talk to her about her commitment to the organization.
D)Talk to her about how tardiness is not a behavior you accept.

Question 74

What does the rewarding approach to changing behavior involve?

A)Linking desired behaviors with manager-valued outcomes
B)Linking desired behaviors with employee-valued outcomes
C)Linking the right ways to do things with rewards
D)Linking desired behaviors with organizational values

Question 75

In the process of trying to improve your employee's behavior,you say to her,"What I'd like to see you do is contact each of your clients personally before you begin to enforce a policy change.That way,no one is surprised.Will you do that next time?" Which of the guidelines for improving behavior have you just followed?

A)Reprimand
B)Redirect
C)Reinforce
D)Recapitulate

Question 76

If you feel that you have an interesting and fulfilling job,you are experiencing what type of motivation?

A)External motivation
B)Intrinsic motivation
C)Redirected motivation
D)Exceptional motivation

Question 77

When an employee does not perform at the level you had hoped,what steps (in order)should you take to extinguish the unacceptable behavior and replace it with an acceptable one?

A)Ignore,reprimand,redirect
B)Redirect,reprimand,reward
C)Question,redirect,reward
D)Reprimand,redirect,reward

Question 78

LaTasha is a high performer.Recently,her organization has begun to provide recreational facilities,an on-site day care,and stock options for all employees.What is wrong with these new programs? Will they likely motivate LaTasha to a higher level of performance?

A)No,they won't motivate her.They are group rewards not tied to her performance,
B)Yes,they will motivate her.Everyone likes on-site day care.
C)No,they won't motivate her.They are too closely tied to her performance for her to be comfortable about the reward.
D)Yes,they will motivate her.The fact that she is a high performer shows that she will appreciate stock options.

Question 79

All of the following are methods firms are using to establish closer connections between individual performance and pay except which of the following?

A)Pay increases linked to the acquisition of new knowledge,skills,and/or demonstrated competencies
B)Compensating managers based on their ability to mentor new group members and resolve difficult intergroup relationships
C)Linking pay increases for all employees to a specified percentage increase in productivity
D)Sales commissions that include follow-up customer satisfaction ratings
E)Linking the pay of key employees to the accomplishment of new strategic initiatives

Question 80

What is praise from a boss?

A)Extrinsic outcome
B)Internal motivator
C)Exceptional motivator
D)Intrinsic outcome