Question 1

Richa, an instrumentation engineer, has been assigned a challenging task of designing a specialized device to sterilize medical equipment. Richa believes that hard work and perseverance will help her perform well and complete the design on time. Her belief turns out to be a factor of motivation for her. As a result, she completes the project by meeting all the requirements on time. In this context, Richa is motivated by _____.
A) instrumentality
B) valence
C) expectancy
D) reinforcement

Accepted Answer

Richa's belief that hard work and perseverance will help her perform well and complete the design on time indicates that she is motivated by expectancy, which refers to the perceived relationship between effort and performance.

Question 2

Janet, a senior accountant at a manufacturing company, wanted to get her maternity leave extended by two weeks. Her supervisor rejected her leave application but gave her an option to take three weeks off in the next calendar year. Janet, however, rejected the offer and decided to quit her job. In the context of expectancy theory of motivation, this scenario best illustrates the factor of _____.
A) instrumentality
B) reinforcement
C) valence
D) affiliation

Accepted Answer

Valence refers to the value that an individual places on a particular outcome or reward. In this scenario, Janet valued the additional two weeks of maternity leave more than the option to take three weeks off in the next year. As a result, she was not willing to accept the alternative offer and chose to quit her job. This decision was based on her perception of the value of the rewards and outcomes. Therefore, the scenario best illustrates the factor of valence in the expectancy theory of motivation.

Question 3

The engineers at Westbloc Inc. who failed to complete their tasks on time were asked to work on weekends without additional pay. Which of the following theories of motivation does this scenario best illustrate?
A) Reinforcement theory
B) Equity theory
C) Alderfer's ERG Theory
D) McClelland's Learned Needs Theory

Accepted Answer

The scenario illustrates the reinforcement theory, which suggests that behavior can be reinforced through the use of rewards or punishments. In this case, the engineers who failed to complete their tasks on time were punished by being asked to work on weekends without additional pay.

Question 4

A furniture manufacturing company in the city of Capontash has decided to start operations in the underdeveloped island country of Ballowan. None of its operations staff and trainers want to move to Ballowan because the towns there are not as developed as the towns in Capontash. Therefore, the company gives the top 10 best-performing employees of the next quarter an option to not relocate to Ballowan. Which of the following theories of motivation does this scenario best illustrate?
A) Equity theory
B) Reinforcement theory
C) Alderfer's ERG Theory
D) McClelland's Learned Needs Theory

Accepted Answer

Reinforcement theory is illustrated here as the company is using a reward (option to not relocate) to encourage desired behavior (high performance).

Question 5

After Herman was appointed the chief financial officer of an e-commerce company, the company recorded the highest ever profits. The company's board of directors decides to offer Herman a luxury car so that he would continue his good work and remain with the organization. Which of the following theories of motivation does this scenario best illustrate?
A) Reinforcement theory
B) Equity theory
C) Alderfer's ERG Theory
D) McClelland's Learned Needs Theory

Accepted Answer

The scenario best illustrates the reinforcement theory, which proposes that a desirable consequence, such as receiving a luxury car, can increase the likelihood that a behavior, such as performing well as a CFO, will be repeated in the future. The offer of the car is a positive reinforcement for Herman's successful performance.

Question 6

Ampertonde, a company that sells consumer durables, decides to take its top 20 best-performing salespeople on a cruise for two weeks. However, the management mandates that the other salespeople who are not among the top 20 will have to report for work during those two weeks. Which of the following theories of motivation does this scenario best illustrate?
A) Reinforcement theory
B) Equity theory
C) Alderfer's ERG Theory
D) McClelland's Learned Needs Theory

Accepted Answer

Reinforcement theory is illustrated here as it involves rewarding the top performers (positive reinforcement) to encourage desired behavior (high sales performance).

Question 7

Identify a step that managers can take to motivate employees using the expectancy theory.
A) Reduce employees' inputs
B) Overreward employees
C) Avoid publicizing the way in which pay decisions are made
D) Empower employees to make decisions

Accepted Answer

Empowering employees to make decisions can increase their belief in their ability to influence outcomes (expectancy), leading to higher motivation levels. When employees feel that their efforts will yield positive results, they are more likely to be motivated to put in the effort required to achieve those results.

Question 8

In the context of motivation theories, _____ is defined as the process of changing behavior by changing the consequences that follow behavior.
A) job enrichment
B) cronyism
C) reinforcement
D) self-actualization

Accepted Answer

Reinforcement is defined as the process of changing behavior by changing the consequences that follow behavior. It is a key concept in behaviorism, which is a motivation theory that focuses on observable behavior rather than internal thoughts or feelings. Reinforcement can take the form of positive reinforcement (adding a pleasant consequence to increase desirable behavior), negative reinforcement (removing an unpleasant consequence to increase desirable behavior), punishment (adding an unpleasant consequence to decrease undesirable behavior), or extinction (removing a pleasant consequence to decrease undesirable behavior).

Question 9

Rick is a machine operator in a plastic manufacturing company. He believes that if he performs better, he will receive more incentives. In the context of expectancy theory of motivation, this scenario best illustrates the factor of _____.
A) instrumentality
B) valence
C) reinforcement
D) affiliation

Accepted Answer

Instrumentality is the belief that higher performance will result in higher rewards, and this scenario clearly illustrates Rick's belief that better performance will lead to more incentives. Valence refers to the desirability of the reward, reinforcement is a behavioral theory, and affiliation is the desire for social interaction and belongingness, none of which are fully applicable to this scenario.

Question 10

Brent, a waiter at a restaurant, always provides good service to the customers. He believes that his supervisor is fair and hopes that his supervisor would appreciate his performance by giving him a salary hike the next year. In the context of expectancy theory of motivation, this scenario best illustrates the factor of _____.
A) reinforcement
B) valence
C) instrumentality
D) affiliation

Accepted Answer

This scenario illustrates the factor of instrumentality in expectancy theory, which suggests that an employee believes that their performance will be rewarded, in this case, in the form of a salary hike, if they meet or exceed the supervisor's expectations. Brent expects that his supervisor's evaluation of his good service will lead to a salary hike, demonstrating the belief that his performance is instrumental in obtaining the desired outcome.

Question 11

Which of the following statements is true of reinforcement theory?
A) It says that a behavior is a function of the efforts that go into performing that behavior.
B) Negative reinforcement strengthens behavior by following behaviors with desirable consequences.
C) Positive reinforcement strengthens behavior by withholding an unpleasant consequence when a specific behavior is performed.
D) It says that behaviors followed by negative consequences will occur less frequently.

Accepted Answer

Reinforcement theory suggests that behaviors followed by negative consequences are less likely to be repeated, as they are discouraged by the negative outcomes.

Question 12

Cynthia, a copy editor at a leading daily newspaper, wants one month's leave from work. Because of tight deadlines, her supervisor attempts to persuade her to cancel her leave by offering her a pay hike. However, Cynthia declines his offer. In the context of expectancy theory of motivation, this scenario best illustrates the factor of _____.
A) instrumentality
B) valence
C) reinforcement
D) affiliation

Accepted Answer

This scenario illustrates valence, which refers to the value or importance an individual places on a particular outcome or reward. In this case, Cynthia values her one month's leave more than the offered pay hike, indicating a low valence for the pay hike. The expectancy theory suggests that individuals are motivated by the belief that their effort will lead to high performance, which in turn will lead to desired outcomes such as rewards or promotions. Therefore, the valence of the reward influences the individual's motivation to perform towards the goal.

Question 13

In the context of reinforcement contingencies, which of the following is a difference between positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement?
A) Positive reinforcement strengthens behavior, whereas negative reinforcement weakens behavior.
B) Unlike negative reinforcement, positive reinforcement is also referred to as avoidance learning.
C) Unlike positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement withholds an unpleasant consequence when employees perform a specific behavior.
D) Extinction is a type of positive reinforcement, whereas punishment is a type of negative reinforcement.

Accepted Answer

Positive reinforcement involves adding a pleasant stimulus to increase behavior, while negative reinforcement involves removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase behavior.

Question 14

The human resources department of Mevertyn, a public relations firm, decided to stop giving meal coupons to the employees who come late to office. Which of the following theories of motivation does this scenario best illustrate?
A) McClelland's Learned Needs Theory
B) Equity theory
C) Alderfer's ERG Theory
D) Reinforcement theory

Accepted Answer

The scenario best illustrates reinforcement theory, as the HR department is using negative reinforcement (withholding meal coupons) to decrease the behavior of employees coming late to the office.

Question 15

Which of the following statements describes positive reinforcement?
A) It strengthens behavior by withholding an unpleasant consequence of a specific behavior.
B) It weakens behavior by following behaviors with undesirable consequences.
C) It strengthens behavior by following behaviors with desirable consequences.
D) It weakens a behavior by making it less likely to occur in future.

Accepted Answer

Positive reinforcement involves strengthening a behavior by following it with a desirable consequence, such as a reward or praise. This increases the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated in the future. Option A describes negative reinforcement, which also involves strengthening a behavior, but by removing an unpleasant consequence rather than providing a desirable one. Option B describes punishment, which weakens behavior by following it with a negative consequence. Option D describes extinction, which occurs when a behavior is no longer reinforced and therefore becomes less likely to occur in the future.

Question 16

In the context of expectancy theory, _____ is the perceived relationship between performance and rewards.
A) valence
B) instrumentality
C) reinforcement
D) efficacy

Accepted Answer

Instrumentality refers to the perception that if you perform well, you will receive appropriate rewards. This perceived relationship between performance and rewards influences an individual's motivation and effort to achieve the desired outcome.

Question 17

Sam is a fashion designer for Flix, an apparel store. He usually goes beyond his primary role of designing clothes to suggesting marketing strategies to the marketing team. This gesture is well appreciated by his supervisor as the company sees an increase in the number of its customers. As a result, the supervisor rewards Sam with a bonus for his good performance. Which of the following theories of motivation does Sam's manager use in this scenario?
A) Contingency theory
B) Systems theory
C) Equity theory
D) Reinforcement theory

Accepted Answer

Sam's manager is using the reinforcement theory of motivation by rewarding his behavior of suggesting marketing strategies that have led to an increase in customers. This positive reinforcement will motivate Sam to continue to suggest innovative ideas and contribute to the company's success.

Question 18

In the context of reinforcement contingencies, which of the following is a difference between negative reinforcement and punishment?
A) Negative reinforcement weakens behavior, whereas punishment strengthens behavior.
B) Negative reinforcement is also referred to as extinction, whereas punishment is also referred to as avoidance learning.
C) Unlike punishment, negative reinforcement withholds an unpleasant consequence when employees perform a specific behavior.
D) Unlike punishment, negative reinforcement weakens behavior by following behaviors with undesirable consequences.

Accepted Answer

Negative reinforcement involves removing or withholding an unpleasant consequence when a specific behavior is exhibited. This is different from punishment, which involves adding an unpleasant consequence after a behavior is exhibited. Negative reinforcement can be used to encourage desired behavior by removing a negative consequence, whereas punishment is used to discourage unwanted behavior by adding an unpleasant consequence.

Question 19

Alex works as an accountant in a pharmaceutical company. His job frequently demands that he work overtime. Lately, his health has been affected because of his workload. Alex is eligible for a promotion. However, the new position would demand longer working hours with double the current salary. Alex values his health over his pay check at the end of the month. In the context of expectancy theory, the demand for longer working hours has a _____ for Alex.
A) negative valence
B) positive valence
C) negative reinforcement
D) positive reinforcement

Accepted Answer

According to expectancy theory, valence refers to the value or importance that an individual places on the outcomes of their work. In this case, Alex values his health more than higher pay, so the demand for longer working hours has a negative valence for him.

Question 20

In the context of expectancy theory, which of the following is a difference between expectancy and instrumentality?
A) Unlike instrumentality, when expectancies are strong, employees figure that no matter what they do or how hard they work, they will not be able to perform their jobs successfully, so they do not work harder.
B) Unlike expectancy, when instrumentality is weak, employees believe that improved performance will lead to better and more rewards, so they choose to work harder.
C) Expectancy is the perceived relationship between effort and performance, whereas instrumentality is the perceived relationship between performance and rewards.
D) Expectancy is the attractiveness or desirability of various rewards or outcomes, whereas instrumentality is the perceived relationship between effort and rewards.

Accepted Answer

Expectancy is the perceived relationship between effort and performance, while instrumentality is the perceived relationship between performance and rewards. Option A is incorrect because if employees think they cannot perform their jobs well, their expectancy will be weak, and they will not work hard. Option B is incorrect because it describes the relationship between instrumentality and valence. Option D is incorrect because it describes valence, which is the desirability of rewards or outcomes.

Quiz 13: Motivation

The engineers at Westbloc Inc. who failed to complete their tasks on time were asked to work on weekends without additional pay. Which of the following theories of motivation does this scenario best illustrate?

Identify a step that managers can take to motivate employees using the expectancy theory.

In the context of motivation theories, _____ is defined as the process of changing behavior by changing the consequences that follow behavior.

Rick is a machine operator in a plastic manufacturing company. He believes that if he performs better, he will receive more incentives. In the context of expectancy theory of motivation, this scenario best illustrates the factor of _____.

Which of the following statements is true of reinforcement theory?

In the context of reinforcement contingencies, which of the following is a difference between positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement?

The human resources department of Mevertyn, a public relations firm, decided to stop giving meal coupons to the employees who come late to office. Which of the following theories of motivation does this scenario best illustrate?

Which of the following statements describes positive reinforcement?

In the context of expectancy theory, _____ is the perceived relationship between performance and rewards.

In the context of reinforcement contingencies, which of the following is a difference between negative reinforcement and punishment?

In the context of expectancy theory, which of the following is a difference between expectancy and instrumentality?