Question 1

Roshan, an operations manager in a firm, is asked to apply the best practices of both the expectancy theory and the goal theory to improve the performance of his team. What options would Roshan have in this regard?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Roshan, an operations manager in a firm,...

Question 2

The employees of a team are offered a direct incentive hike of 5 percent if they improve their performance two-fold. In the context of the expectancy theory, the additional amount the team members will receive as incentive is known as _____.

Accepted Answer

Valence refers to the value an individual places on the rewards of an outcome, which in this case is the additional amount the team members will receive as an incentive.

Question 3

Jonathan is asked to coach a batch of new employees. Before this, his superior outlines a number of suggestions for how Jonathan can best approach coaching and improve the performance of his group. List and briefly explain three of these suggestions.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Jonathan is asked to coach a batch...

Question 4

A recommended way of giving advice to an employee is to:

Accepted Answer

Putting advice in the form of a question can encourage self-reflection and help the employee come to their own conclusions about how to improve, making the advice more effective and less confrontational.

Question 5

Who among the following is likely to give the best performance in the context of the goal theory?

Accepted Answer

Goal theory suggests that specific and challenging goals lead to better performance. Option A provides a clear and specific target for the employee, aligning with the principles of goal theory.

Question 6

A worker receiving a floor clock for having saved the company thousands of dollars in shipping costs is an example of:

Accepted Answer

This is an example of workers experiencing pride in relation to recognition symbols. The floor clock serves as a symbol of recognition for the worker's contribution to saving the company money, likely instilling a sense of pride in the worker for their achievement.

Question 7

Helen receives a wristwatch from the company as a compliment for her value-adding service to the organization for the past 10 years. This can be considered an act that:

Accepted Answer

The act of giving Helen a wristwatch for her service is a recognition of her contributions, which appeals to her sense of pride and can motivate her to continue performing well. It's a common practice in organizations to reward employees for their long-term service as a way to motivate and retain them.

Question 8

Rohan, the production manager of a firm, is asked to provide a one-to-one developmental program to Milan, who is an assistant production manager. The program covers aspects like total sales revenue to be achieved for the month, and the individual numbers that Milan will have to contribute. This program is an example of a(n) _____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Rohan, the production manager of a firm,...

Question 9

Craig decides to increase the performance bonus of his team from $5,000 to $10,000. In the context of the expectancy theory, this will result in:

Accepted Answer

Expectancy theory suggests that if employees expect that their efforts will lead to a desirable reward, they are more likely to be motivated to work harder. By increasing the performance bonus, Craig is enhancing the reward, which according to expectancy theory, should lead to increased productivity as team members put in greater efforts to achieve the reward.

Question 10

A refinement of the individual approach to executive coaching is for a coach to:

Accepted Answer

Collaborating with the leader's group members allows the coach to gain insights into the leader's interactions and dynamics within the team, enhancing the coaching process.

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of using recognition to motivate others?

Accepted Answer

Recognition involves acknowledging someone's achievements or efforts. In option C, Alan receiving a congratulatory email from his team manager for settling a deal with a vendor is a direct form of recognition for his accomplishment.

Question 12

George, a manager, is advised by the top management to apply the expectancy theory to his team. What would be the basic data that George requires to put the theory into practice?

Accepted Answer

The answer of George, a manager, is advised by the...

Question 13

An effective way of using modeling in coaching is for a manager to:

Accepted Answer

Demonstrating how a task should be done correctly is an effective use of modeling in coaching, as it provides a clear example for others to follow, enhancing understanding and performance.

Question 14

Donna wants to lead as an effective coach. So, with respect to the people she coaches, Donna should minimize:

Accepted Answer

Giving too much gentle advice and guidance can hinder the development of the individuals being coached, as it may prevent them from thinking independently and developing their own problem-solving skills.

Question 15

Martin, the marketing manager of a company, is very knowledgeable in his particular role, but he often has trouble coaching new employees. Of the following, which is most likely affecting Martin's ability to coach well?

Accepted Answer

Martin's inability to give emotional support when a new employee struggles could significantly affect his ability to coach well, as emotional support is crucial for new employees who may face challenges and need encouragement.

Question 16

Ronnie plans to work on Sunday so that the project she is involved in does not get delayed. She also plans to cancel her weekend plans so she can invest even more time in the project. This behavior reflects Ronnie's _____.

Accepted Answer

Ronnie's willingness to work on a day off and cancel personal plans to ensure her project does not get delayed reflects her high level of engagement with her work. Engagement here is demonstrated through her commitment and proactive actions towards the project's success.

Question 17

Which of the following is true of the motivational use of recognition and praise?

Accepted Answer

Recognition and praise are most effective when they align with the individual's preferences. This personalization ensures that the motivational impact is maximized, as different people may value different forms of acknowledgment.

Question 18

A major role of an executive coach is to:

Accepted Answer

Executive coaches focus on uncovering and developing an individual's strengths to improve their performance and potential in their current role, rather than finding new employment or reporting to management.

Question 19

Ryan's team has performed beyond the performance standard set for the team in the previous financial year. This makes the team eligible for additional incentives, and the improved performance will also make them eligible for a promotion in a few months. In the context of the expectancy theory, which of the following statements is true in this case?

Accepted Answer

The team being considered eligible for promotion is a second-level outcome because it is a consequence of the team's improved performance, which is the first-level outcome.

Question 20

Which of the following statements by the members of a team depicts self-efficacy at its peak? Answer the question in the context of the expectancy theory.

Accepted Answer

Self-efficacy refers to an individual's belief in their ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task. Statement C ("I am 100 percent sure that I will be able to achieve the target before the due date.") reflects the highest level of self-efficacy, as it shows complete confidence in one's ability to achieve the target.

Quiz 10: Motivation and Coaching Skills