Question 1

Frederick Herzberg found that when employees were dissatisfied, they tended to cite extrinsic factors arising from the job context such as company policy and administration, supervision, interpersonal relationships, and working conditions.

Accepted Answer

Frederick Herzberg's Two-Factor theory identified extrinsic factors as sources of job dissatisfaction. These factors include company policy and administration, supervision, interpersonal relationships, and working conditions.

Question 2

At his last performance evaluation, Elliott agreed to earn 20 continuing education credits before his next annual review. Ten months later, he still has not earned any. From this lack of action, we can infer that ________.

Accepted Answer

The lack of action from Elliott despite agreeing to the goal of earning 20 continuing education credits before his next annual review suggests that he was not committed to the goal. Therefore, option D is the correct choice. The other options are not relevant in this context.

Question 3

In the context of the reinforcement theory, reinforcers are ________.

Accepted Answer

Reinforcers in the reinforcement theory are consequences that follow a behavior immediately and increase the probability of that behavior being repeated. This means that positive consequences, such as rewards or praise, serve as reinforcers and negative consequences, such as punishment or criticism, discourage the behavior. B, C, and D are not accurate descriptions of what reinforcers are in the context of the reinforcement theory.

Question 4

As manager of a large team of engineers, you notice that your team is falling short of its goals primarily because several team members are either not motivated to put in their best or are downright dissatisfied with their jobs. You have decided to follow Herzberg's two-factor theory to motivate your employees. What steps can you take to maximize motivation?

Accepted Answer

The answer of As manager of a large team of...

Question 5

Goal-setting theory says that ________.

Accepted Answer

According to goal-setting theory, difficult goals, when accepted, result in higher performance than do easy goals. This is because difficult goals lead to greater effort, persistence, and task-relevant learning than do easy goals. However, the goals should also be achievable and not overly difficult to the point of being impossible.

Question 6

________ theory says that behavior is a function of its consequences.

Accepted Answer

Reinforcement theory suggests that behavior is shaped by the consequences that it produces. Specifically, behaviors that are reinforced (rewarded) are more likely to be repeated in the future, whereas behaviors that are punished or not reinforced are less likely to be repeated. This theory is frequently used to understand and modify behavior in various settings, including education, parenting, and organizational management. The other options (B, C, D) are theories that focus on different aspects of human behavior and motivation.

Question 7

People with a high need for achievement strive for the trappings and rewards of success rather than for personal accomplishment.

Accepted Answer

People with a high need for achievement strive for personal accomplishment more than the trappings and rewards of success. They enjoy the feeling of accomplishment and often set challenging goals for themselves to achieve.

Question 8

The goal-setting theory states that ________.

Accepted Answer

The goal-setting theory, as proposed by Edwin Locke and others, suggests that setting specific and challenging goals can lead to higher performance and that employee participation in setting these goals is not always necessary for this effect to occur. The theory emphasizes clarity, challenge, commitment, feedback, and task complexity as key factors in goal-setting effectiveness.

Question 9

According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory, once a need is substantially satisfied, that need no longer motivates the individual.

Accepted Answer

Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory proposes that once a lower level need is substantially satisfied, it no longer motivates the individual, and they move up the hierarchy to focus on satisfying higher level needs. Therefore, as an individual progresses up the hierarchy, the lower level needs continue to influence behavior, but they are not the primary motivator.

Question 10

Write a short essay on Maslow's hierarchy of needs by first describing the needs and then discussing how these needs are interrelated according to the theory. How can managers use this theory to motivate employees?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Write a short essay on Maslow's hierarchy...

Question 11

Research clearly indicates that the Theory Y manager is more effective in motivating employees than the Theory X manager.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Research clearly indicates that the Theory Y...

Question 12

Despite the quantity of empirical evidence in its support, managers have largely ignored Herzberg's two factor theory when designing jobs.

Accepted Answer

Herzberg's two-factor theory has been influential in job design, leading to practices that enhance job satisfaction by addressing both hygiene factors and motivators.

Question 13

Goal-setting theory assumes that an individual is committed to the goal. Commitment is most likely when ________.

Accepted Answer

The individual having an internal locus of control means that they believe they can control the outcome of their goals, which leads to a greater sense of commitment to achieving those goals. A and B are incorrect because research has shown that self-set goals and public goals lead to greater commitment. D is incorrect because individuals with high self-efficacy are more likely to be committed to their goals because they believe they are capable of achieving them.

Question 14

The goal-setting theory has most value in countries where ________.

Accepted Answer

The goal-setting theory is most effective in environments where subordinates are given a degree of independence to set and achieve their goals, as it relies on the individual's ability to be self-directed and motivated.

Question 15

According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory, lower-order needs are predominantly satisfied internally while higher-order needs are satisfied externally.

Accepted Answer

According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory, lower-order needs such as physiological and safety needs are satisfied externally (through basic necessities such as food, shelter, and safety) while higher-order needs such as self-esteem and self-actualization are satisfied internally (through personal achievements and self-realization).

Question 16

Joseph, a line manager at a production facility, believes that his workers have little drive and will not work unless he pushes them. Therefore, he closely monitors and controls their work and disciplines those who do not meet his standards. Joseph is a Theory Y manager.

Accepted Answer

Joseph's beliefs and actions are consistent with a Theory X manager, who assumes that employees are inherently lazy and need constant supervision and control. Theory Y managers, on the other hand, assume that employees are self-motivated and responsible, and they create a work environment that promotes autonomy and encourages employees to take initiative and responsibility for their work.

Question 17

Michelle supervises six very diverse workers. They are male, female, older, younger, different ethnic groups and nationalities, and in different life stages. How might Michelle use the various theories of motivation to keep her workers inspired?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Michelle supervises six very diverse workers. They...

Question 18

The goal-setting theory has the most value when ________.

Accepted Answer

The goal-setting theory has the most value when commitment to goals is made public because it enhances motivation by increasing the individual's accountability and sense of ownership over the goal. Public commitment also increases the likelihood of feedback and support from others, making it easier to achieve the goal. The other options (A, B, and C) may or may not apply to the individual, but public commitment is a key factor in determining the success of a goal.

Question 19

In a familiar children's book, a little locomotive was asked to pull a heavy train up a steep mountain. The "little engine," as he was called, kept telling himself "I think I can. I think I can." The little engine was ________.

Accepted Answer

The little engine's repeated self-talk of "I think I can" indicates a high level of self-efficacy, or belief in one's ability to succeed in a particular situation.

Question 20

To help her new supervisors remember the concept of reinforcement theory, Carol told them to remember this: ________.

Accepted Answer

The phrase "What gets rewarded gets repeated" is a common way of summarizing reinforcement theory, which holds that behavior that is positively reinforced (rewarded) is more likely to be repeated in the future. Options A, C, and D are not related to reinforcement theory.

Quiz 17: Motivating Employees