Question 1

________ theory says that behavior is a function of its consequences.

Accepted Answer

Reinforcement theory states that behavior is shaped by its consequences, such as rewards or punishments. This theory suggests that if a behavior is followed by positive consequences, such as rewards or praise, it is more likely to be repeated in the future. On the other hand, if a behavior is followed by negative consequences, such as punishment or criticism, it is less likely to be repeated.

Question 2

The goal-setting theory states that ________.

Accepted Answer

The goal-setting theory, as proposed by Edwin Locke and others, suggests that setting specific and challenging goals can lead to higher performance and that employee participation in setting these goals is not always necessary for this effect to occur. The theory emphasizes clarity, challenge, commitment, feedback, and task complexity as key factors in goal-setting effectiveness.

Question 3

Goal-setting theory assumes that an individual is committed to the goal.Commitment is most likely when ________.

Accepted Answer

The individual's commitment is most likely when they have an internal locus of control, which means they believe they have control over their actions and outcomes. This sense of control will increase their commitment to achieving the goal.

Question 4

In the context of the reinforcement theory,reinforcers are ________.

Accepted Answer

Reinforcers are consequences that immediately follow a behavior and increase the probability that the behavior will be repeated. This is the basis of the reinforcement theory which suggests that behaviors can be reinforced through positive consequences. Punishments or negative consequences can also be used to decrease the probability of a behavior being repeated.

Question 5

Joseph,a line manager at a plant,believes that his workers have little drive and will not work unless pushed by him.Therefore,he closely monitors and controls their work and disciplines those who do not meet his standards.Joseph is a Theory Y manager.

Accepted Answer

Joseph's beliefs and behavior suggest that he is a Theory X manager, who assumes that workers are inherently lazy and need to be coerced or controlled to achieve results. Theory Y managers, on the other hand, believe that employees are self-motivated and can be trusted to work towards goals if given autonomy and opportunities for growth and development.

Question 6

At his last performance evaluation,Elliott agreed to earn 20 continuing education credits before his next annual review.Ten months later,he still has not earned any.From this lack of action,we can infer that ________.

Accepted Answer

The lack of action suggests that Elliott was not committed to the goal, which was to earn 20 continuing education credits before his next annual review. This indicates a lack of motivation or willingness to improve his skills and knowledge in his field. The other options are not relevant to the given scenario.

Question 7

Despite the quantity of empirical evidence in its support,managers have largely ignored Herzberg's two factor theory when designing jobs.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Despite the quantity of empirical evidence in...

Question 8

To help her new supervisors remember the concept of reinforcement theory,Carol told them to remember this: ________.

Accepted Answer

Reinforcement theory is based on the premise that behavior that is rewarded will be repeated, so choice B, "What gets rewarded gets repeated," is the best answer. The other options are not related to reinforcement theory.

Question 9

Write a short essay on Maslow's hierarchy of needs by first describing the needs and then discussing how these needs are interrelated according to the theory.How can managers use this theory to motivate employees?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Write a short essay on Maslow's hierarchy...

Question 10

As manager of a large team of engineers,you notice that your team is falling short of its goals primarily because several team members are either not motivated to put in their best or are downright dissatisfied with their jobs.You have decided to follow Herzberg's two-factor theory to motivate your employees.What steps can you take to maximize motivation?

Accepted Answer

The answer of As manager of a large team of...

Question 11

Goal-setting theory says that ________.

Accepted Answer

According to goal-setting theory, difficult goals lead to higher performance than easy goals because they provide a greater level of motivation, focus attention, and lead to the development of strategies to achieve the goal. However, the goals should not be so difficult that they are unattainable, as this can lead to decreased motivation and performance.

Question 12

The goal-setting theory has most value in countries where ________.

Accepted Answer

The goal-setting theory is most effective in countries where subordinates have a reasonable level of independence to set and achieve their own goals. This requires a certain level of autonomy and freedom to make decisions, which may not be possible in countries with high power distance or low uncertainty avoidance. Assertiveness of individuals may also not be a determining factor in the effectiveness of goal-setting theory. Therefore, option D is the best answer.

Question 13

In a familiar children's book,a little locomotive was asked to pull a heavy train up a steep mountain.The "little engine," as he was called,kept telling himself "I think I can.I think I can." The little engine was ________.

Accepted Answer

The little engine's repetitive self-talk of "I think I can" suggests a strong belief in their ability to successfully complete the task at hand, indicating high self-efficacy. Option A, high need for affiliation, is not relevant to the story. Option B, low commitment, is not supported by the little engine's persistence and determination to keep trying to pull the train up the mountain. Option D, low risk avoidance, is not relevant to the story either.

Question 14

The goal-setting theory has the most value when ________.

Accepted Answer

Commitment to goals becomes stronger when they are made public, as it creates a sense of accountability and encourages individuals to work harder towards achieving their goals. The other options may also benefit from the goal-setting theory, but making the commitment public is the most impactful.

Question 15

Research clearly indicates that the Theory Y manager is more effective in motivating employees than the Theory X manager.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Research clearly indicates that the Theory Y...

Question 16

According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory,once a need is substantially satisfied,that need no longer motivates the individual.

Accepted Answer

Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory suggests that individuals move up the hierarchy from lower-level needs to higher-level needs as lower-level needs are met. Once a need is substantially satisfied, it no longer has the same level of motivating influence, and individuals will shift their focus to the next level of needs in the hierarchy.

Question 17

According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory,lower-order needs are predominantly satisfied internally while higher-order needs are satisfied externally.

Accepted Answer

According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory, lower-order needs such as physiological and safety needs are satisfied externally (through basic necessities such as food, shelter, and safety) while higher-order needs such as self-esteem and self-actualization are satisfied internally (through personal achievements and self-realization).

Question 18

Michelle supervises six very diverse workers.They are male,female,older,younger,different ethnic groups and nationalities,and in different life stages.How might Michelle use the various theories of motivation to keep her workers inspired?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Michelle supervises six very diverse workers.They are...

Question 19

People with a high need for achievement strive for the trappings and rewards of success rather than for personal accomplishment.

Accepted Answer

People with a high need for achievement strive for personal accomplishment rather than for the trappings and rewards of success.

Question 20

Frederick Herzberg found that when employees were dissatisfied,they tended to cite extrinsic factors arising from the job context such as company policy and administration,supervision,interpersonal relationships,and working conditions.

Accepted Answer

Frederick Herzberg's two-factor theory of motivation identified hygiene factors, which are external and job-contextual factors that can cause dissatisfaction among employees. These include company policy and administration, supervision, interpersonal relationships, and working conditions. In contrast, Herzberg found that intrinsic factors such as job satisfaction and personal growth opportunities were more likely to contribute to motivation and job satisfaction.

Quiz 16: Motivating Employees