Contemporary Motivation Theories

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Questions and Answers

What does the need for power, as stated by McClelland, refer to?

The need for job security

The need for self-actualization

The desire for friendly and close interpersonal relationships

The need to make others behave in a way in which they would not have behaved otherwise (correct)

According to self-determination theory, what happens when extrinsic rewards are introduced for a previously enjoyed task?

Intrinsic interest in the task is undermined (correct)

Intrinsic interest in the task increases

The task becomes more challenging

Intrinsic interest in the task remains the same

What is the main idea behind self-concordance theory?

People's reasons for pursuing goals are consistent with their interests and core values (correct)

People are motivated by extrinsic rewards

People are motivated by intrinsic interest

People are motivated by power and achievement

What is job engagement, according to contemporary motivation theories?

The investment of employee's physical, cognitive and emotional energies into job performance Signup and view all the answers

What are the three key elements of goal-setting theory?

Specific goals, difficult goals, and feedback Signup and view all the answers

What is a criticism of goal-setting theory?

People might be too focused on specific outcomes and ignore changing conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between an employee's sense of control and motivation, according to self-determination theory?

Employees who feel they have control over their actions are more motivated Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of high job engagement, according to critics?

Stress and conflict between work and family Signup and view all the answers

According to the Hierarchy of Needs theory, which of the following needs are satisfied internally?

Esteem and Self-actualization needs Signup and view all the answers

Theory X assumes that employees:

Dislike work and must be coerced to perform Signup and view all the answers

Which theory states that job satisfaction and dissatisfaction are not determined by the same factors?

Two-Factor Theory Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the three needs in McClelland's Theory of Needs?

Need for Security Signup and view all the answers

What is a criticism of the Hierarchy of Needs theory?

It lacks empirical support Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between Theory X and Theory Y?

Theory X is more pessimistic, while Theory Y is more optimistic Signup and view all the answers

Which theory differentiates between intrinsic and extrinsic factors?

Two-Factor Theory Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of researchers and McClelland in McClelland's Theory of Needs?

Need for Achievement Signup and view all the answers

What does interpersonal justice refer to?

The degree to which employees are treated with dignity and respect Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea behind expectancy theory?

The strength of a tendency to act depends on the expectation of the outcome Signup and view all the answers

What can influence employee motivation according to the text?

Job design and expectancy theory Signup and view all the answers

What type of justice refers to the fairness of outcome distribution?

Procedural justice Signup and view all the answers

What is the main limitation of expectancy theory?

It is only valid where individuals clearly perceive effort-performance and performance-reward linkages Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea behind the concept of organizational justice?

The fairness of outcome distribution, truthful explanations, and dignity and respect Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Contemporary Theories of Motivation

Self-determination theory: people prefer to have control over their actions, and extrinsic rewards can undermine intrinsic motivation
Cognitive evaluation theory: extrinsic rewards can reduce intrinsic interest in a task
Self-concordance theory: people's reasons for pursuing goals should align with their interests and core values
Job engagement: the investment of physical, cognitive, and emotional energies into job performance
Goal-setting theory: specific and difficult goals with feedback lead to higher performance
Criticism of goal-setting theory: people might focus too much on specific outcomes and ignore changing conditions

Early Theories of Motivation

Hierarchy of Needs Theory

Physiological needs: bodily needs (hunger, thirst, sex, shelter)
Safety needs: security and protection from physical and emotional harm
Social needs: affection, belongingness, acceptance
Esteem needs: autonomy, achievement, self-respect
Self-actualization needs: drive to become what one is capable of becoming (growth, self-fulfilment)

Theory X and Y

Theory X: managers assume employees dislike work and must be coerced to perform
Theory Y: managers assume employees are motivated and eager to perform

Two-Factor Theory

Intrinsic factors (achievement, recognition) related to job satisfaction
Extrinsic factors (company policies, payment) associated with dissatisfaction
Hygiene factors (company policy, salary, supervision, etc.): basic conditions that prevent dissatisfaction

McClelland's Theory of Needs

Need for Achievement: drive to excel and succeed
Need for Power: need to make others behave in a way they would not have otherwise
Need for Affiliation: desire for friendly and close interpersonal relationships

Expectancy Theory

The strength of a tendency to act in a certain way depends on the expectation of a given outcome and the attractiveness of that outcome
Critics argue it has limited use and is more valid where individuals clearly perceive effort-performance and performance-reward linkages