Reference no: EM132241921
Chapter 5 - online DISCUSSION questions
1. At what level in Maslow's hierarchy of needs are you living? Are you basically satisfied at this level?
2. Assume you are leaving your current job to look for employment elsewhere. What will you look for that you do not have now? If you do not have a job, assume you will be looking for one soon. What are the most important factors you will seek?
3. Do you believe you can do a better job of working or studying than you are currently doing? Do you think you would get more pay and benefits or better grades if you did a better job? Do you care about the rewards (or grades) in your organization (or university)?
More questions:
1. A. Define motivation.
B. How can knowledge of motivation theories help managers to manage their employees effectively? (Respond from your experience and be realistic; do not simply quote from the textbook).
C. Define self-interest.
D. How important is self-interest in the work life of an individual?
2. A. What are the five categories of motivational needs described by Maslow?
B. Briefly describe each of these five categories.
C. Give an example of each of the five categories. (Provide five answers.)
D. How can each of these categories be satisfied in the workplace? (Provide five answers.)
3. What are the specific assumptions that managers make about employees when managers perceive employees through Theory X and Theory Y? (Do not simply answer that in Theory X employees are motivated by lower order needs and in Theory Y employees are motivated by higher order )
A. What assumptions do managers make about Theory X employees?
B. What assumptions do managers make about Theory Y employees?
4. How do the assumptions outlined in McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y relate to Maslow's hierarchy of needs? Where do Theory X and Theory Y fit in Maslow's hierarchy?
5. A. Describe the ERG theory of motivation.
B. How does the ERG theory relate to Maslow's hierarchy of needs?
6. A. List each of the three manifest needs McClelland identifies in his need theory.
B. Describe each of these three manifest needs.
C. Give an example of each of these needs at work.
7. A. Define and explain motivational factors.
B. Give examples of motivational factors in the workplace.
C. What are hygiene factors? (Give a definition. Do not simply copy this statement from the textbook: "Hygiene factors are work conditions that generate dissatisfaction due to discomfort or pain." What does this mean? If necessary, do some online research to fully understand the definition of hygiene factors as outlined by Herzberg in his Two-Factory Theory.)
D. Give examples of hygiene factors.
D. How do these two factors differ in affecting employees? What is the outcome on employees of having or not having these factors in the workplace?
8. Think about Herzberg's two-factory theory (hygiene and motivational factors). What are the implications of this theory for managers supervising a group of employees? How can managers use this theory to manage employees?
9. List and describe two new ideas in motivation that managers are currently using. (Be realistic; do not simply quote from the textbook.)
10. A. What is equity theory?
B. Explain demands and contributions.
C. Describe Adam's's theory of inequity.
11. A. What is the expectancy theory of motivation?
B. What are the key concepts in the expectancy theory of motivation? (Describe these key concepts--valence, expectancy, and instrumentality. Do not simply list them.)
C. How do you see this expectancy theory of motivation work in your life?