Deck 6: Designing a Motivating Work Environment

Question 1

The job characteristics model is an attempt to design jobs for increased motivational potential.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

In a supermarket study,cashiers rotated through different departments have lower stress levels and less pain in necks and shoulders.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

The most effective goals are easy ones.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

Leaving employees free to choose job performance methods is an important element of scientific management techniques.

Question 5

Evidence of the success of Nucor Steel is the low turnover rate and nonunion status of the firm.

Question 6

Quality expert Edward Deming advocates abolishing performance appraisals in the workplace.

Question 7

Goal commitment is higher when employees have trust-based relationships with managers.

Question 8

Skill variety and task significance are the most important elements in deciding motivational potential.

Question 9

Research shows that the psychological state of meaningfulness is the most important such state for employee attitudes and behaviors.

Question 10

Job specialization entails breaking down jobs into their simplest components.

Question 11

The performance appraisal meeting is the most important component of a performance appraisal.

Question 12

Nucor Steel's formula for success is to centralize decision making and rigidly define employee and manager job duties.

Question 13

Adequate notice ensures that there is two-way communication during the performance appraisal process.

Question 14

Job enlargement involves moving employees from job to job at different intervals.

Question 15

Goal setting is one of the most influential and practical theories of motivation.

Question 16

You are a Walt Disney Company management trainee.The first three months of your job you will be working in the restaurant and hospitality area.The next three months you will be in the merchandising area,followed by three months in lodging and finally,three months in park operations.The Walt Disney management trainee program is designed using the job rotation philosophy.

Question 17

In the most effective performance appraisal meetings,criticism of the individual personality traits is very important.

Question 18

Relative ranking appraisals may help an organization become more performance-oriented if they are used for a few years because they tend to weed out employees with persistent performance problems.

Question 19

The Nucor Steel Company's incentive system penalizes low performers,but sets no upper limit on the amount high performers can earn annually.

Question 20

Access to information is a key factor in empowering employees.

Question 21

Even though goal setting is a good motivational tool,there is strong evidence that goal setting can also lead to unethical behavior.

Question 22

Countries high in power distance respond positively to appraisal systems where lower level employees give feedback to their managers.

Question 23

The notion of using incentives to increase performance is a very old idea,actually going back to the time of Napoleon.

Question 24

In a pay system based upon commission,rewarding only sales volume can lead salesmen to heavily discount merchandise.

Question 25

To increase the effectiveness of performance meetings,increase employee participation.

Question 26

One technique to reduce the likelihood of unethical behavior resulting from goal setting is to create multiple levels of goals and distribute rewards according to the goals achieved rather than rewarding only those who reach the highest goal and not giving anything to anyone else,including those who were very close to that high goal.

Question 27

Indian employees are more satisfied when they are empowered in the workplace than their counterparts in the United States or Poland.

Question 28

All of the following are reasons why Nucor Steel is so effective at motivating its employees EXCEPT

A)the incentive system penalizes lower performers but offers no limits on how much can be made by those that perform well.
B)the firm has a centralized structure that retains decision making at upper levels in the organization.
C)employees have the opportunity to fix problems that they see occurring during production.
D)there is a great deal of task flexibility as some duties of managers have been pushed down to lower level line employees.

Question 29

Research in Western countries suggests that empowerment is an effective tool to motivate employees.

Question 30

Job specialization

A)is breaking down jobs into their simplest components and assigning them to employees so that each person will perform a few tasks in a repetitive manner.
B)refers to expanding the tasks performed by employees to add more variety.
C)involves moving employees from job to job at regular intervals.
D)allows workers more control over how they perform their own tasks.

Question 31

In China,goals high in specificity are more motivational in contrast to the low specificity goals preferred by employees in Western cultures,including the United States.

Question 32

Leniency bias makes it harder for employees to change their behaviors.

Question 33

The use of stock options remains a popular incentive technique in start-up organizations.

Question 34

Scientific management's primary focus is

A)goal setting.
B)efficiency.
C)flexibility.
D)motivation.

Question 35

Chinese employees are more motivated than American employees when the goals set for them are very difficult.

Question 36

Gift cards as awards to employees are not appreciated because they are often purchased for stores and restaurants that employees do not frequent.

Question 37

Key elements of the scientific management philosophy include all of the following EXCEPT

A)using training and specific instructions to minimize the number of workers needed on jobs.
B)minimizing waste by identifying the most efficient method to perform the job.
C)expanding the nature of tasks performed by employees to add more variety to the job.
D)breaking down jobs into their simplest components to facilitate specialization.

Question 38

Attractive women are rated lower if they are employed in nonmanagement jobs and higher if they are in management jobs.

Question 39

Merit pay is a permanent pay raise based on past performance.

Question 40

Which of the following factors has the most influence on worker motivation?

A)pay
B)growth opportunities
C)job design
D)recognition

Question 41

Olaf works on an assembly line in an Oslo factory.Last month the assembly line processes were overhauled.Olaf is still responsible for soldering electrical contacts on an appliance component,but now he is also expected to review each component for quality defects after he solders.If he notes any defects,he can place the component in the scrap bin.If he scraps five such pieces in succession,he is permitted to press an emergency button above his station,which stops the assembly line completely.This job re-design is a reflection of the _____ ______________ philosophy.

A)job rotation
B)job enlargement
C)job enrichment
D)job specialization

Question 42

Task significance is

A)the extent to which the job requires a person to utilize multiple high level skills.
B)the degree to which a person is in charge of completing an identifiable piece of work from start to finish.
C)whether a person's job substantially affects other people's health,work or well-being.
D)the degree to which a person has the freedom to decide how to perform his tasks.

Question 43

All of the following statements about job enrichment are true EXCEPT

A)job enrichment may lead to dissatisfaction with one's pay.
B)job enrichment is a suitable technique to be used with any employee.
C)job enrichment may be associated with increased productivity and reduced absenteeism.
D)the technique allows employees to take on more responsibility.

Question 44

The local high school band needs to raise money to pay for a trip to New York City.It decides to sell sandwiches.Early Saturday morning,20 volunteers report to the school cafeteria to make sandwiches.Stations are set up to make the 500 sandwiches ordered for that day.Station one has four individuals cutting sandwich buns,station two has four individuals placing the meats on the rolls,station three,etc.The individual who devised the sandwich-making production plan is operating under a

A)job specialization approach.
B)job rotation approach.
C)job enlargement approach.
D)job enrichment approach.

Question 45

Which of the following statements about job enlargement is NOT true?

A)Job enlargement involving giving employees more tasks requiring them to be knowledgeable in different areas has fewer positive effects than job enlargement adding tasks that are very simple in nature.
B)When jobs are enlarged,employees view themselves as more capable.
C)Job enlargement is beneficial because it is positively related to higher quality customer service.
D)The intent behind job enlargement is to increase the variety of tasks to be performed so that boredom is reduced and human resources are used effectively.

Question 46

Job rotation

A)is breaking down jobs into their simplest components and assigning them to employees so that each person will perform a few tasks in a repetitive manner.
B)refers to expanding the tasks performed by employees to add more variety.
C)involves moving employees from job to job at regular intervals.
D)allows workers more control over how they perform their own tasks.

Question 47

Job enlargement

A)is breaking down jobs into their simplest components and assigning them to employees so that each person will perform few tasks in a repetitive manner.
B)refers to expanding the tasks performed by employees to add more variety.
C)involves moving employees from job to job at regular intervals.
D)allows workers more control over how they perform their own tasks.

Question 48

Stuart works on an auto assembly line.Last year he was responsible for welding the upper panel of the wheel well onto the left rear wheel area.This year,he is responsible for welding all parts of the entire left rear wheel area.This auto assembly line underwent a job re-design using the ________ ________technique.

A)job specialization.
B)job enrichment.
C)job rotation.
D)job enlargement.

Question 49

Feedback is

A)the extent to which the job requires a person to utilize multiple high level skills.
B)the degree to which a person is in charge of completing an identifiable piece of work from start to finish.
C)the degree to which people learn how effective they are being at work.
D)the degree to which a person has the freedom to decide how to perform his tasks.

Question 50

Job enrichment

A)is breaking down jobs into their simplest components and assigning them to employees so that each person will perform few tasks in a repetitive manner.
B)refers to expanding the tasks performed by employees to add more variety.
C)involves moving employees from job to job at regular intervals.
D)allows workers more control over how they perform their own tasks.

Question 51

Which of the following is an advantage to job specialization?

A)Training costs are higher,but because of the specialized nature of tasks,they are learned more fully.
B)The nature of the jobs leads to lower absenteeism.
C)Staffing costs are lower because the repetitive nature of tasks makes skill requirements lower.
D)The nature of the jobs is especially effective in rapidly changing environments.

Question 52

Skill variety is

A)the extent to which the job requires a person to utilize multiple high level skills.
B)the degree to which a person is in charge of completing an identifiable piece of work from start to finish.
C)whether a person's job substantially affects other people's health,work or well-being.
D)the degree to which a person has the freedom to decide how to perform his tasks.

Question 53

Task identity is

A)the extent to which the job requires a person to utilize multiple high level skills.
B)the degree to which a person is in charge of completing an identifiable piece of work from start to finish.
C)whether a person's job substantially affects other people's health,work or well-being.
D)the degree to which a person has the freedom to decide how to perform his tasks.

Question 54

Frederick Taylor's work led to a fundamental change in management philosophy.The change

A)was understanding that managers could not influence the output levels of employees.
B)was understanding that repetitive activities are the direct result of job generalization.
C)paved the way for today's automation and standardization.
D)was increasing the complexity of jobs in the workplace for greater productivity.

Question 55

Maria works at a factory in Lima,Peru where she sews blue jeans for a major American firm.On Mondays,she sews the side seams of the jeans,on Tuesdays she sews on pockets,Wednesdays she presses finished jeans,Thursdays she folds jeans,packages sets of twelve in shrink wrap and places them in boxes,and on Friday she sews decorative stitching on the pockets and side seams.Maria is working under the job design technique of

A)job specialization.
B)job enrichment.
C)job enlargement.
D)job rotation.

Question 56

Job specialization can

A)increase the number of employees needed to complete the job.
B)minimize training costs.
C)lead to greater motivation among employees.
D)be very effective in rapidly changing environments.

Question 57

Autonomy is

A)the extent to which the job requires a person to utilize multiple high level skills.
B)the degree to which a person is in charge of completing an identifiable piece of work from start to finish.
C)whether a person's job substantially affects other people's health,work or well-being.
D)the degree to which a person has the freedom to decide how to perform his tasks.

Question 58

All of the following are advantages of job rotation EXCEPT

A)employees become cross-trained due to their movement between jobs.
B)employees become less marketable after rotating because their skill sets become very company-specific.
C)managers have greater scheduling flexibility in a job rotation system.
D)employees experience less boredom in a job rotation system.

Question 59

Which of the following statements is INACCURATE about job rotation?

A)Rotation is the regular movement of employees through firm jobs.
B)Rotation leads to increased likelihood that turnover will be reduced in the firm.
C)Rotation is an opportunity for employees to acquire new skills.
D)Rotation leads to slightly elevated blood pressure measured in employees using the process due to their movement between jobs.

Question 60

Which of the following statements is true about job design approaches?

A)Job rotation takes place only with lower level jobs in an organization.
B)Job enrichment may lead to employee frustration or dissatisfaction with pay.
C)Job specialization is effective in rapidly changing work environments.
D)Job enlargement implementation leads employees to feel capable of performing job tasks.

Question 61

If you say to yourself,"As soon as I finish reading this chapter in my textbook,I am going to play Guitar Hero for an hour," this specific goal has motivated you because

A)it has given you direction.
B)it has energized you not to stop until you have accomplished the goal.
C)it has provided you with self esteem.
D)it has caused you to re-think how you are working.

Question 62

___________ is an example of felt empowerment.

A)Meaningful work
B)Leadership style
C)Organizational structure
D)Organizational climate

Question 63

Which of the following is a psychological state in the Hackman and Oldham job characteristics model?

A)motivation
B)meaningfulness
C)creativity
D)engagement

Question 64

Structural empowerment

A)refers to making a person powerless.
B)is the degree to which a person has higher order needs such as esteem and self-actualization.
C)refers to the aspects of the work environment that give employees discretion,autonomy and the ability to do jobs effectively.
D)is the degree to which a person has the freedom to decide how to perform his tasks.

Question 65

Which of the following is NOT an outcome in the Hackman and Oldham job characteristics model?

A)organizational citizenship
B)performance
C)satisfaction
D)turnover

Question 66

Which of the following statements regarding SMART goals is correct?

A)Easy goals are the most effective goals.
B)When goals are specific,stress is higher
C)Adding a time limit into a goal leads to short term decision making and leads to ignoring the long term consequences.
D)Effective goals tend to be aggressive.

Question 67

A fashion designer who creates pieces for a large fashion house for a New York or Paris runway show has

A)high task identity.
B)low task identity.
C)low skill variety.
D)low autonomy.

Question 68

The "M" in "SMART" goals stands for

A)Measurable
B)Motivating
C)Minimal
D)Management

Question 69

Which of the following factors do not determine empowerment?

A)structure
B)access to information
C)leadership style
D)pay

Question 70

To empower your employees,

A)retain information on the job until it is absolutely needed.
B)take away employee power so your manager accountability is not compromised.
C)make sure managers continue to manage in such a manner that they are stepping in with routine responses to issues.
D)change the company structure so employees have more power on the job.

Question 71

Which of the following psychological states is the most important for employee attitudes and behaviors?

A)responsibility
B)knowledge of results
C)motivation
D)meaningfulness

Question 72

Which of the following describes the elements of the Hackman and Oldham job characteristics model?

A)Three psychological states lead to five core job characteristics which lead to five outcomes.
B)Five core job characteristics lead to five outcomes which produce three psychological states.
C)Five core job characteristics lead to three psychological states which lead to five outcomes.
D)Three psychological states lead to five outcomes which are analyzed for five core job characteristics.

Question 73

Which of the following statements is true about empowerment?

A)The notion of empowerment is appropriate for all employees.
B)Empowerment is a relatively easy concept to implement in the workplace.
C)Employees who are nervous about empowerment may also worry about the increased responsibility.
D)Empowerment is not related to job performance.

Question 74

Which of the following statements regarding the relationship between feedback and performance is true?

A)The mere presence of feedback is sufficient to motivate employees to better performance.
B)Regardless of whether feedback is positive or negative in nature,employees will feel motivated by it.
C)Feedback is detrimental to performance in about one-third of the cases.
D)The manner in which feedback is delivered has no bearing on its motivation effects.

Question 75

One of the dimensions of structural empowerment is

A)meaningful work.
B)confidence that you can perform the job.
C)feeling that one has autonomy at work.
D)access to information.

Question 76

Which of the following is NOT a core job characteristic in the Hackman and Oldham job characteristics model?

A)skill variety
B)task significance
C)feedback
D)pay

Question 77

According to the formula for the motivating potential score of a job,the most important elements in deciding motivation potential are

A)skill variety and autonomy.
B)task significance and task identity.
C)autonomy and feedback.
D)skill variety and feedback.

Question 78

Which of the following is true regarding the motivating potential of a job?

A)An employee whose expectation for his job is to pay the bills will have high growth strength.
B)Even though a job is designed with the express purpose of motivating individuals,some employees may not find the job motivational.
C)Career stage does not influence the importance of the five core characteristics.
D)Employees with high growth need strength will respond less favorably to jobs with high motivating potential.

Question 79

In order to increase the feedback you receive,do the following:

A)avoid asking your superior for feedback.Managers will look less favorably upon you if you continually bother them for feedback.
B)develop a positive relationship with your manager.
C)when you receive negative feedback,defend yourself by explaining your behavior.
D)seek positive feedback rather than negative feedback.

Question 80

Employee autonomy has all of the following positive benefits but

A)it makes the employees more reactive in doing their jobs.
B)it increases motivation at work.
C)it increases employee creativity.
D)it increases employee effectiveness.