Motivation I - OAM 330

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Questions and Answers

What is the main premise of equity theory?

People compare themselves only to their previous performance.

People seek to maximize their inputs in any situation.

People are motivated by fairness in their interactions. (correct)

People perform better when they feel over-rewarded.

In the context of equity theory, what are 'inputs'?

The comparisons made to others in similar roles.

The rewards achieved from a job.

The contributions individuals make to their environment. (correct)

The feelings of motivation experienced by an individual.

What likely emotional reactions may arise from perceptions of inequity?

Excitement and enthusiasm.

Anger and disappointment. (correct)

Indifference and apathy.

Satisfaction and happiness.

How might an individual react cognitively to feelings of inequity?

Attempt to reduce their inputs or increase their outputs. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the 'referent' play in equity theory?

It provides a standard for social comparisons. Signup and view all the answers

What is the core aspect of Expectancy Theory that affects motivation levels?

The perception of whether effort leads to performance Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of Instrumentality in Expectancy Theory refer to?

The belief that performance will lead to certain outcomes Signup and view all the answers

Which factor needs to be addressed to maintain strong Valence in Expectancy Theory?

Providing desirable rewards and ensuring fairness Signup and view all the answers

What could potentially lower an employee's motivation, according to Expectancy Theory?

Weak expectation that effort will lead to performance Signup and view all the answers

Why might sales not increase despite a higher commission structure?

There may be a lack of expectancy regarding performance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is essential for ensuring that employees believe their efforts make a difference?

Creating an environment that facilitates performance Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Expectancy Theory, what should leaders focus on increasing?

Perceptions of equity and fairness Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about need-based theories of motivation?

They are widely supported by scientific research Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of equity theory?

The fairness of rewards Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of distorting perceptions in response to inequity?

Believing a colleague is more skilled than previously thought Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of distributive justice?

Fairness of the outcomes received Signup and view all the answers

How can organizations increase perceptions of procedural justice?

Allow employees a voice in the decision-making process Signup and view all the answers

What does interactional justice emphasize?

Respect and kind treatment of employees Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following practices best enhances perceptions of distributive justice?

Establishing clear criteria for inputs Signup and view all the answers

What action would represent increasing one's own outcomes in response to perceived inequity?

Asking a supervisor for a raise Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of perceived inequity when procedural justice is lacking?

Resistance to changes in policy Signup and view all the answers

An employee feeling that they are treated poorly, despite fair outcomes, may indicate a lack of which type of justice?

Procedural justice Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reaction to inequity that involves reducing one’s own input?

Deliberately putting forth less effort Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of motivation in an organizational context?

Achieving specific performance goals Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of work behavior?

Job satisfaction Signup and view all the answers

According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, when might higher-level needs become a motivator?

When basic needs are fully satisfied Signup and view all the answers

What does the ERG theory simplify from Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs?

Human needs can be categorized into three groups Signup and view all the answers

In the Two-Factor Theory, which of the following is classified as a hygiene factor?

Salary Signup and view all the answers

The Acquired-Needs Theory identifies which of the following types of needs?

Achievement, Affiliation, Power Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of most need-based theories of motivation?

They lack empirical support Signup and view all the answers

Which motivation theory emphasizes a calculated thought process in understanding motivation?

Process-Based Theories Signup and view all the answers

Which theory focuses on the balance of outputs to inputs as a component of motivation?

Equity Theory Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is considered a 'motivator' in the Two-Factor Theory?

Personal achievement Signup and view all the answers

What is a major criticism of the Two-Factor Theory?

It oversimplifies the relationship between motivations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an intrinsic motivator according to the Two-Factor Theory?

Interesting work Signup and view all the answers

What assumption does the ERG Theory modify from Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?

Multiple needs can be active simultaneously Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following motivations is likely to be strongest according to Acquired-Needs Theory?

A person's dominant need Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Equity Theory Premise

Individuals are motivated to maintain fairness and equity in their social exchanges.
This theory suggests that individuals compare their inputs (contributions) and outcomes (rewards) to those of others.
Feelings of inequity arise when an individual perceives their ratio of inputs to outcomes as different from that of their referent other.

Inputs in Equity Theory

Inputs refer to contributions that individuals make to a situation, such as effort, skills, time, and knowledge.

Emotional Reactions to Inequity

Feelings of anger, resentment, frustration, and dissatisfaction are common reactions to perceived inequity.

Cognitive Reactions to Inequity

Individuals might adjust their perceptions of their inputs and outcomes to restore a sense of equity.
They may also try to change their inputs or outcomes, or leave the situation.

Role of the Referent in Equity Theory

The referent is the person or group used as a comparison point for evaluating one's own inputs and outcomes.

Core Aspect of Expectancy Theory

The core aspect affecting motivation levels is Expectancy, which refers to an individual's belief that effort will lead to desired performance.

Instrumentality in Expectancy Theory

Instrumentality represents the belief that successful performance will lead to desired outcomes.

Maintaining Strong Valence

Leaders and organizations need to focus on aligning rewards with individual needs and values to ensure strong Valence (the value assigned to the desired outcome).

Factors Lowering Motivation

Low expectancy, low instrumentality, or low valence can all contribute to lower motivation.

Sales Despite Higher Commission Structure

Even with a higher commission structure, sales may not increase if salespeople lack confidence in their ability to achieve sales goals (low expectancy).

Ensuring Employees Believe Their Efforts Matter

Clear performance standards and feedback mechanisms are essential to ensure employees believe their efforts make a difference.

Increasing Employee Motivation

Leaders should prioritize increasing expectancy, instrumentality, and valence.

Misconception about Need-Based Theories

A common misconception is that they are all focused on fulfilling basic needs, but in reality, they explore a variety of motivators beyond physiological needs.

Focus of Equity Theory

Equity theory primarily focuses on the perception of fairness in the exchange of inputs and outcomes.

Distorting Perceptions in Response to Inequity

An example of distorting perceptions is downplaying one's own contribution or exaggerating the contribution of the referent other.

Distributive Justice

Distributive justice focuses on the fairness of outcomes received, based on contributions.

Increasing Perceptions of Procedural Justice

Organizations can increase perception of procedural justice by ensuring transparent and consistent application of rules, providing fair opportunities for input, and using impartial decision-making processes.

Interactional Justice

Interactional justice focuses on interpersonal treatment and communication during decision-making processes.

Enhancing Distributive Justice

Practices like merit-based pay systems can enhance distributive justice by ensuring rewards are aligned with contributions.

Increasing Outcomes to Restore Equity

Trying to get a raise or promotion represents increasing one's own outcomes to restore a perceived imbalance.

Consequence of Perceived Inequity with Lack of Procedural Justice

A lack of procedural justice can worsen the negative consequences of perceived inequity, leading to increased resentment and distrust.

Lack of Justice Indicator

An employee feeling treated poorly despite fair outcomes may indicate a lack of interactional justice.

Reducing Input to Address Inequity

A common reaction to inequity is reducing one's own input, such as working less hard or putting in less effort.

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Description

This quiz explores the key concepts of motivation, focusing on its role in organizational success and employee performance. It covers various motivation theories, including Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and ERG Theory, while also discussing individual and environmental factors that influence motivation. Test your understanding of how motivation drives behavior and enhances performance in an organizational context.