Motivation in Business BTEC

What is motivation?

• Motivation is the same as laziness.
• Motivation is the result of luck and chance.
• Motivation is only important for achieving small goals.
• Motivation is the drive that stimulates a person to take action, pursue goals, and achieve desired outcomes.

Why is motivation an important consideration for business?

• Motivation increases productivity, and improves job satisfaction.

• Motivation only benefits individual employees, not the overall business.
• Motivation is a waste of time and resources for businesses.
• Motivation has no impact on business performance.

Match the following

• Maslow

• • Believed that Supervising workers increases their motivation, however  managers need to  recognise workers' social needs. Communication, worker interaction and involvement between management and employees is important for motivation.

• Mayo

• • Human needs can be categorised different levels but individuals must satisfy lower-level needs before being motivated by higher-level needs 

• Hertzberg

• Emphasised the importance of maximising efficiency in work processes through time and motion studies.  Believed that financial incentives, clear division of labour, and strict supervision were key factors in motivating employees

• Frederick Taylor

• Hygiene factors (working conditions, job security) prevent job dissatisfaction, while motivators (recognition, responsibility) lead to job satisfaction and motivation  This theory suggests that improving hygiene factors alone does not lead to motivation; motivators must also be present.

1. According to Frederick Taylor, what is the primary source of motivation for employees in a business setting?

• 1. Job security

• 1. Recognition and rewards

• Money and incentives

• Social interaction

Reorder the following levels of Maslow's Hierarchy of needs, from the lowest to the highest

• Safety/ Security

• Social/ Belonging

• Esteem

• Physical needs

• Self-Actualisation

Frederick Taylor's Theory of Scientific Management, also known as Taylorism, emphasizes the systematic ​ (a)   of work processes to maximise efficiency and productivity. Taylor believed that through time and motion studies, it was possible to identify the most ​ ​ (b)   way to perform each task. He proposed that workers would be motivated by ​ (c)   and this would lead to higher ​ (d)   and better results. Taylor's methods often associated with the leadership styles of transactional and ​ (e)   styles.

• Organisation
• efficient
• pay
• productivity
• autocratic

Elton Mayo found that employee motivation and productivity improved primarily due to what factor?

• Increased wages

• Social interaction and the feeling of being valued at work

• Introduction of time-motion studies

• Improved job security

What are the factors that Herzberg argued would NOT motivate workers, but would dissatisfy them if they were not met

b

f

a

Promotion and growth

Achievement & recognition

Working Conditions

Appropriate supervision/ policies

Pay

Responsibility

Answer explanation

Herzberg’s findings stated that hygiene factors do not lead to motivation, but without the presence of them, dissatisfaction will occur. 

Remember, according to Herzberg, pay is NOT A MOTIVATOR!

Match the following work place issues to Maslow's hierarchy

• Belongingness and Social needs

• No access toilets

• Physiological needs

• Team are not getting along

• Safety

• No opportunities to become an expert and develop new ideas in the workplace

• Esteem needs

• Lack of recognition for achievements

• Self-actualization needs

• Lack of training on workplace equipment/machinery

According to Elton Mayo's theories, what did he conclude was the key to motivating workers effectively?

• Meeting workers' social needs and encouraging interaction among employees

• Providing opportunities for responsibility

• Providing comprehensive job security

• Offering higher salaries and financial incentives