Question 1

In the context of goal theory, which of the following is required for goals to be effective?

Accepted Answer

For goals to be effective in motivating employees and improving performance, it is crucial that employees accept the goals as their own. This acceptance ensures that they are committed to achieving the goals, which in turn makes the goals more likely to be effective. Involving employees in the goal-setting process can help in ensuring their acceptance of the goals.

Question 2

In the context of need-based theories of motivation, which of the following theories identifies motivators and hygiene factors as two sets of conditions at work that can satisfy needs?

Accepted Answer

Dual factor theory, also known as Herzberg's motivation-hygiene theory, identifies motivators and hygiene factors as two sets of conditions at work that can satisfy needs. Motivators are related to job satisfaction, while hygiene factors are related to job dissatisfaction.

Question 3

Identify a true statement about motivation.

Accepted Answer

Motivation at work significantly influences job performance, employee engagement, and overall organizational effectiveness. It determines the direction, intensity, and persistence of effort towards achieving job-related goals.

Question 4

Ania is a management executive in a large technology corporation. Her ambition is to accept more challenges in her work and prove herself valuable to the organization. She wants to achieve the top management position within a span of 5 years. According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory, which need does Ania display?

Accepted Answer

Ania's ambition to accept more challenges and prove her value to reach a top management position reflects the Self-actualization need, which is about realizing personal potential, self-fulfillment, seeking personal growth, and peak experiences.

Question 5

Which of the following options refers to a person's perception of the probability that an increase in effort will result in an increase in performance?

Accepted Answer

Expectancy is a component of Victor Vroom's expectancy theory of motivation, which posits that individuals are motivated to act in ways that they believe will lead to desired outcomes. Expectancy, specifically, refers to a person's belief that increasing their effort will improve their performance.

Question 6

Imagine a scenario where a man is stranded on a desert island. He first finds a source of potable water and some fruits to eat. Only after his thirst and hunger are satisfied does he set about building a shelter for the night. Once the man has met his physiological and security needs, he will set about searching for other people on the island. Which of the following needs of the man stranded on a desert island does this scenario illustrate?

Accepted Answer

The scenario illustrates the concept of prepotent needs, which refers to the idea that certain basic needs (such as food, water, and shelter) must be satisfied before an individual can focus on higher-level needs. This concept is aligned with Maslow's hierarchy of needs, where physiological and safety needs come before social and other higher-level needs.

Question 7

Thomas, a kindergarten teacher, ignores his students' bad conduct and rewards them when they are obedient. As a result, they always listen to him and do as he says. In this scenario, Thomas is using a(n) _____.

Accepted Answer

Thomas is using a behavior modification technique, which involves reinforcing desired behaviors (through rewards) and not reinforcing undesired behaviors (by ignoring them), to influence his students' actions.

Question 8

Punishment and positive reinforcement work best when:

Accepted Answer

Punishment and positive reinforcement are most effective when there is a clear and immediate link between the behavior and its consequences. This helps the individual understand the relationship between their actions and the outcomes, thereby influencing future behavior.

Question 9

Which of the following statements is true of expectancy theory?

Accepted Answer

Expectancy theory is concerned with three components: expectancy, instrumentality, and valence, and the links among them. It focuses on how these components influence motivation, making it a cognitive theory rather than a need-based one.

Question 10

Identify a true statement about goal theory.

Accepted Answer

Goal theory suggests that the specificity and difficulty of a goal can significantly impact motivation and performance, indicating that not all goals are equally effective in motivating individuals.

Question 11

Don, a sales clerk, believes that if he satisfies his customers' needs based on the policies covered in his company's sales training seminar, his incentives would increase. In the context of VIE theory, Don's belief illustrates _____.

Accepted Answer

Don's belief that satisfying customer needs as per the company's policies will increase his incentives is an example of instrumentality, which is the perception that a certain level of performance will lead to a specific outcome.

Question 12

Which of the following statements is true in the context of ERG theory?

Accepted Answer

ERG theory, proposed by Clayton Alderfer, allows for multiple levels of needs (Existence, Relatedness, Growth) to be prepotent at the same time, unlike Maslow's hierarchy which suggests a strict progression.

Question 13

Which of the following statements is true of equity theory?

Accepted Answer

Equity theory posits that individuals assess their job satisfaction and motivation by comparing their input/output ratio (effort and rewards) with that of others, suggesting that people calculate their inputs and outcomes to determine fairness.

Question 14

In reinforcement theory, identify the schedule in which the number of times a behavior must occur before it is rewarded remains constant over time.

Accepted Answer

Fixed ratio schedules involve a consistent number of responses that must be made before a reward is given, making it the schedule where the number of times a behavior must occur before it is rewarded remains constant.

Question 15

In the context of reinforcement theory, which of the following statements is true of variable ratio schedules?

Accepted Answer

Variable ratio schedules, where a response is reinforced after an unpredictable number of responses, result in high and steady response rates, making them highly effective for maintaining behavior and thus leading to high productivity.

Question 16

In the context of need-based theories of motivation, which of the following theories involves two levels of needs and allows for a person to regress from a higher-level need to a lower-level need?

Accepted Answer

ERG theory, proposed by Clayton Alderfer, categorizes needs into three levels: Existence, Relatedness, and Growth. Unlike Maslow's hierarchy, ERG theory allows for regression, meaning if a higher-level need is frustrated, an individual may revert to focusing on lower-level needs.

Question 17

In the context of agency theory, identify a true statement about agents.

Accepted Answer

Agents are often more risk-averse than principals because they may prioritize job security and personal benefits over the potential high returns that come with taking risks.

Question 18

In the context of equity theory, an employee would be said to perceive underpayment inequity if his or her input-outcome ratio:

Accepted Answer

Equity theory posits that employees compare their job input (effort, skill level, tolerance, etc.) and outcome (salary, benefits, recognition) ratios to those of comparison others. If an employee perceives his or her input-outcome ratio to be less favorable than that of a comparison person, it is seen as underpayment inequity, leading to feelings of unfairness.

Question 19

Berta, the manager of an automobile showroom, announces a new scheme wherein the company offers an all-expenses paid trip to the salesperson who sells the most number of cars in the next quarter. This inspires Berta's subordinates to work harder and improve their performance. In this scenario, Berta uses a(n) _____.

Accepted Answer

Berta uses a positive reinforcement technique by offering a reward (an all-expenses paid trip) for a desired behavior (selling the most number of cars), which encourages her subordinates to improve their performance.

Question 20

In the context of reinforcement theory, which of the following statements is true of fixed ratio schedules?

Accepted Answer

Fixed ratio schedules tend to produce high and consistent levels of behavior because the reinforcement is based on a specific number of responses. This predictability often leads to a high rate of response, as the subject knows exactly what is required to receive reinforcement. This is in contrast to variable ratio schedules, which may produce even higher levels of behavior due to the unpredictability of reinforcement, but not necessarily less consistent levels as implied in the question.

Quiz 13: Motivation at Work