Question 1

Which of the levels in Maslow's hierarchy of needs states that having a positive view of one's self is a motivational factor?

Accepted Answer

The level that states having a positive view of one's self is a motivational factor is esteem, which is the fourth level of Maslow's hierarchy of needs. It includes self-respect and the respect of others, as well as feelings of confidence, competence, achievement, and independence. This level sits above the belongingness level and is necessary for an individual to reach self-actualization.

Question 2

Which of the following reinforcement schedules targets behavior on the basis of the passage of time?

Accepted Answer

Interval reinforcement schedules target behavior on the basis of the passage of time, whereas ratio schedules target behavior on the basis of the number of responses made. "Rational" and "bounded rational" are not established terms within the field of behaviorism, and "instrumentality" is not a type of reinforcement schedule.

Question 3

Some managed health-care plans keep costs low by paying incentive compensation to doctors to limit the number of high-cost treatments they provide to patients. What is the incentive compensation called based on behavioral modification?

Accepted Answer

The incentive compensation in managed health-care plans is an example of positive reinforcement based on behavioral modification. Doctors are rewarded for limiting high-cost treatments, which encourages them to continue this behavior.

Question 4

Every time Theodore decides to take an extra-long, three-hour lunch, his boss makes him stay late to make up the missed work. Eventually, Theodore quits taking long lunches. Theodore's boss is using ____ theory to help Theodore change his behavior.

Accepted Answer

Theodore's boss is using reinforcement theory to change his behavior. Reinforcement theory suggests that behavior is motivated by consequences, and in this case, Theodore's boss is using negative reinforcement (i.e. removing an unpleasant consequence - staying late) to discourage Theodore from taking long lunches. This ultimately leads to a change in Theodore's behavior, as he stops taking long lunches.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a determinant of performance in an organization?

Accepted Answer

While demand for the organization's products or services can influence performance indirectly, it is not a direct determinant of performance within an organization. The other options listed are all factors that can directly affect an employee's ability to perform and influence overall organizational performance.

Question 6

How many levels appear in Alderfer's ERG theory?

Accepted Answer

Alderfer's ERG theory has three levels of needs: Existence needs, Relatedness needs, and Growth needs.

Question 7

In Herzberg's two-factor theory of motivation, what element can be used to satisfy individual needs?

Accepted Answer

Herzberg's two-factor theory of motivation distinguishes between motivators (factors that lead to satisfaction and motivate employees to work harder) and hygiene factors (factors that can lead to dissatisfaction if missing, but do not necessarily motivate if increased). Both types of factors can be used to satisfy individual needs in different ways.

Question 8

What is the basis of reinforcement theory?

Accepted Answer

Reinforcement theory is based on the idea that behavior is a function of its consequences, meaning that behavior that is reinforced (rewarded) is likely to be repeated, while behavior that is punished or not reinforced is less likely to be repeated. This theory focuses on the relationship between behavior and its consequences as a means of shaping behavior in the workplace. Options A, C, D, and E are not accurate explanations of reinforcement theory.

Question 9

According to expectancy theory, when will employees experience greater motivation to perform?

Accepted Answer

Expectancy theory suggests that employees will be more motivated when they believe that increased performance will lead to desired rewards. This means that they must see a clear link between their effort, performance, and outcomes or rewards. If this link is not clear or employees feel that their efforts will not be recognized or rewarded, they may be less motivated to perform. Therefore, choice A is the best answer. Choices C, D, and E are not relevant to expectancy theory, as they focus on other factors that may affect motivation.

Question 10

Which of the following reinforcement schedules targets behavior on the basis of a constant number of times that conduct must occur?

Accepted Answer

Fixed ratio schedules provide reinforcement after a specific number of targeted behaviors have been performed. For example, a salesperson may receive a bonus after every five sales they make.

Question 11

Benjamin sees no reason to put forth extra effort to help his employer reach monthly production targets. After all, Benjamin has put forth effort in the past and did not get any reward. Benjamin's behavior can be explained by

Accepted Answer

Benjamin's behavior can be explained by both expectancy theory and reinforcement theory. Expectancy theory suggests that individuals are motivated to act based on the expected outcome; since Benjamin did not receive any reward for his past efforts, he does not expect any reward for future efforts, reducing his motivation. Reinforcement theory focuses on how behavior is influenced by its consequences; Benjamin's lack of reward (a form of negative reinforcement) for his previous efforts has discouraged him from making extra efforts again.

Question 12

When a manager applies a negative consequence to reduce an employee's undesirable behavior, what is this process called?

Accepted Answer

The process of applying a negative consequence to reduce an employee's undesirable behavior is called punishment. Option A, self-actualization, is a term that refers to the fulfillment of an individual's potential. Option B, extinction, is a process of eliminating a behavior by removing the reinforcement associated with it. Option C, dissonance, refers to the uncomfortable feeling that arises when a person holds contradictory beliefs or values. Option D, positive reinforcement, involves providing a desirable consequence to increase a behavior.

Question 13

Which of the following reinforcement schedules targets behavior on the basis of how many times the conduct occurs?

Accepted Answer

Ratio schedules of reinforcement target behavior on the basis of how many times the conduct occurs. This means that reinforcement is provided after a specific number of responses. For example, a rat may receive a food pellet after every 5 lever presses. This type of reinforcement schedule tends to result in high and consistent rates of responding.

Question 14

According to agency theory, which of the following is NOT a fundamental difference between owners and managers?

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to agency theory, which of the...

Question 15

Which of the levels in Maslow's hierarchy of needs states that realizing one's full potential is a motivational factor?

Accepted Answer

Self-actualization is the top level in Maslow's hierarchy of needs and it is the stage where an individual strives to realize their full potential, achieve personal growth and achieve their life goals. It involves the pursuit of personal growth and self-fulfillment, which is the highest level of human motivation.

Question 16

Which of the following reinforcement schedules targets behavior on the basis of a varying amount of time that must transpire?

Accepted Answer

Variable interval reinforcement schedule targets behavior on the basis of a varying amount of time that must transpire. This means that reinforcement is given after an unpredictable and varying amount of time has passed since the last reinforcement. This schedule tends to be effective in maintaining behavior because the individual does not know exactly when the reinforcement will occur, so they are more likely to continue engaging in the desired behavior in anticipation of the reinforcement.

Question 17

Under her employer's incentive pay system, Vicky's team sells the most real estate and wins a trip to Hawaii. Based on reinforcement theory, what is the trip?

Accepted Answer

The trip to Hawaii is considered an outcome in the context of reinforcement theory. It is a consequence that follows the behavior of Vicky's team, which sold the most real estate. The incentive pay system is designed to reinforce and increase the likelihood of the desired behavior, which is selling more real estate. The trip serves as a positive reinforcement that strengthens the behavior by providing a desirable consequence.

Question 18

Which of the levels in Maslow's hierarchy of needs states that food, water, and shelter are motivational factors?

Accepted Answer

The physiological needs level of Maslow's hierarchy of needs includes the basic needs for survival, such as food, water, and shelter.

Question 19

Which of the following reinforcement schedules targets behavior on the basis of a constant amount of time that must transpire?

Accepted Answer

Fixed interval reinforcement schedules target behavior on the basis of a consistent amount of time that must pass before a reward is given. This can be effective in encouraging consistent behavior, as the individual knows when to expect the reward.

Question 20

Which of the levels in Maslow's hierarchy of needs states that a safe environment is a motivational factor?

Accepted Answer

The second level in Maslow's hierarchy of needs is the safety or security level, which includes the need for physical safety and security, financial security, safety from harm, and stability in one's environment. This level suggests that a safe environment is a motivational factor.

Quiz 13: Motivation at Work