Question 1

Which of the following is the administration of a pleasant and rewarding consequence following a desired behavior?

Accepted Answer

Positive reinforcement is the administration of a pleasant and rewarding consequence following a desired behavior.

Question 2

Which of the following is an example of a process theory of motivation?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is an example...

Question 3

Tim is a manager at Chuck's Construction. He sees little opportunity for advancement at Chuck's Construction, regardless of how well he performs. Which of the following expectancies is low for Tim?

Accepted Answer

P →O expectancy is low for Tim because it refers to the expectancy that performing well will lead to a desired outcome, such as advancement. Since Tim sees little opportunity for advancement regardless of his performance, his belief in the link between performance (P) and outcome (O) is low.

Question 4

In goal-setting theory, ____ refers to the idea that employees have "buy into" the goals.

Accepted Answer

Goal acceptance refers to the idea that employees are invested in and committed to achieving the goals that are set for them. Without this buy-in, employees may not be motivated to work towards the goals or may actively resist them. Goal acceptance is important for ensuring that employees are engaged and committed to achieving organizational objectives.

Question 5

Which of the following describes the value or attraction an individual has for an outcome?

Accepted Answer

Valence refers to the perceived value or attraction an individual has for a particular outcome. It can be positive (desired) or negative (undesired).

Question 6

Which of the following theories places an emphasis on behavior and its consequences?

Accepted Answer

Reinforcement theory emphasizes the relationship between behavior and its consequences, with the idea that the consequences of behavior can either reinforce or discourage future behavior. This theory is rooted in the work of B.F. Skinner and is often applied in organizational behavior management and human resources management contexts.

Question 7

____ theory deals with employee's perception of fairness.

Accepted Answer

Equity theory deals with employee's perception of fairness, specifically how they perceive the fairness of their inputs (e.g. effort, skills, experience) and outputs (e.g. salary, recognition, promotions) in comparison to others in similar positions. This theory suggests that employees strive for a fair balance between their inputs and outputs, and perceive unfairness and feel demotivated when they perceive an imbalance between their own inputs and outputs as compared to others.

Question 8

In goal-setting theory, ____ refers to the degree to which goals are concrete and unambiguous.

Accepted Answer

Goal specificity refers to the degree to which goals are concrete and unambiguous. This means that the more specific and clear a goal is, the easier it is for individuals to understand what is expected of them and to achieve the goal.

Question 9

Kara and Simon are both middle managers at Gotcha International. Kara is dissatisfied because she knows that Simon makes more in salary even though, in Kara's opinion, she works longer hours than he does. If Kara wishes to reduce this perceived inequity, what should she do?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Kara and Simon are both middle managers...

Question 10

The ____ involves whether putting effort into a task will lead to high performance.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The ____ involves whether putting effort into...

Question 11

Which of the following theories concern the thought processes that influence behavior?

Accepted Answer

Process theories (such as expectancy theory, equity theory, and goal-setting theory) focus on the cognitive processes and decision-making that affect individual behavior. The other options listed focus more on the external or internal factors that motivate behavior (such as rewards, content of the task, basic human needs, and self-actualization).

Question 12

Which term, in goal-setting theory, refers the need to make goals highly ambitious but achievable?

Accepted Answer

Goal difficulty refers to the need to make goals highly ambitious but achievable, and is one of the components of goal-setting theory. Goal specificity refers to the need for goals to be clear and well-defined, goal acceptance refers to the degree to which individuals are committed to achieving their goals, feedback involves providing information on goal progress, and goal motivation refers to the drive to achieve a specific goal.

Question 13

Abbi works at Railroad Ties. Her bosses continually indicate that her motivational level is low. Abbi agrees, but is unwilling to work harder until the company changes the types of reward it offers its employees. Which of the following is low for Abbi?

Accepted Answer

Abbi's lack of motivation despite her bosses indicating so suggests a low valence, meaning she does not see the rewards offered as desirable or worth the effort. The other options are not applicable in this scenario.

Question 14

In goal-setting theory, which term refers to the need to get information to people about how well they are doing in progressing toward goal achievement?

Accepted Answer

Feedback refers to providing individuals with information about their progress toward goal achievement. This information can be used to adjust behavior and improve performance.

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a common method for reducing a perceived inequity?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is NOT a...

Question 16

Which of the following is based on the relationships between effort, performance, and outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Expectancy theory is based on the relationships between effort, performance, and outcomes. It suggests that employees are more likely to be motivated when they believe that their effort will lead to good performance and that good performance will lead to desirable outcomes or rewards.

Question 17

Theories that explain how employees select the behaviors that allow them to meet their needs are known as

Accepted Answer

Theories that explain how employees select behaviors to meet their needs are known as process theories. Content theories focus on identifying the needs that motivate behavior, need hierarchy theories explain how needs are prioritized, contingency theories propose that relevant situational factors influence behavior, and reinforcement theories suggest that behavior is influenced by the consequences that follow it.

Question 18

Alden is a recent college graduate. He is unsure about his future. A counselor in his university's career resources recently told Alden that he had a high need for achievement. Based on this, what type of career should Alden pursue?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Alden is a recent college graduate. He...

Question 19

Denise has a desire to influence others, be responsible for them, and have authority over them. It can be described as her

Accepted Answer

Denise's desire to exert influence, responsibility, and authority over others is indicative of a need for power. This need is characterized by a desire to control, direct, or influence others, often at the expense of personal relationships or teamwork.

Question 20

A high need for ____ is associated with successful attainment of top levels in the organizational hierarchy, according to McClelland.

Accepted Answer

According to McClelland's theory, a high need for power is associated with successful attainment of top levels in the organizational hierarchy. This is because individuals with a high need for power are driven to influence and control others, which can be beneficial in positions of leadership and authority.

Quiz 15: Motivating Employees