Reference no: EM133772841
MOTIVATING FROM THE TOP DOWN
The week-long executive education leadership development seminar had been going on for four days. There were 55 participants in the room, all from the same globally recognized company, and all upper middle level managers with varying responsibilities. On Thursday, the number-two executive in the company, the COO, flew in from headquarters on the corporate jet with the intention of speaking to the participants. His session was scheduled for the time period right after lunch. Everyone, including the faculty, was seated and eager to hear his message. The faculty knew that this individual was unaware of what had been taught thus far that week.
The COO walked into the classroom, leaned up against the chalkboard, and said, "It's June 30 and the stock price is $95. If the stock price doesn't get to $125 by the end of the year, the CEO and I don't get our annual bonuses. You need to get your rears in gear!" He continued in this vein for 30 minutes and then bid farewell and left to get back on the corporate jet and return to headquarters.
That evening the faculty went to dinner with the participants.
After reading the case study in a Word document, answer the following questions.
Discuss the motivational impact of the COO's message on the participants. How might his approach affect their intrinsic and extrinsic motivation levels?
How might the COO's emphasis on financial incentives influence the participants' engagement and commitment to achieving the stock price target? What are the potential drawbacks?
As demonstrated by the COO's message, reflect on the ethical considerations of using financial incentives as a motivational tool in the workplace. Discuss the potential implications for employee morale, organizational culture, and long-term performance.