Ch11 Motivation

Randy is a supervisor at an assembly plant for a major manufacturer. Randy has observed that most workers he supervises are more productive if he lets them have some freedom and flexibility in how they go about their work. Randy's experience is consistent with the teachings of scientific management. 

• TRUE

• FALSE

Since hygiene factors do not improve worker motivation, managers can safely ignore these factors when trying to develop an effective work environment. 

• TRUE

• FALSE

New workers at Throneberry Manufacturing are carefully trained to use the most efficient production methods. They are then placed on an assembly line and expected to perform the same task day after day, using the methods they were taught. The work is boring, but the pay is good. Throneberry's approach is consistent with the principles of: 

• management by objectives.

• expectancy theory.

• scientific management.

• human engineering.

Dr. Suyka, a professor of psychology at a respected university, is planning a study of the factors that affect the motivation of workers. Dr. Suyka is concerned that the results of his experiments may be misleading because workers in an experimental group tend to behave differently when they know they are being studied. This concern shows that Dr. Suyka is aware of the: 

• A. Hawthorne effect.

• B. Taylor effect.

• C. potential confusion between Theory X and Theory Y.

• D. Heisenberg principle.

When Elaine accepted a position with Cannon Corporation in Halifax, Nova Scotia, she felt uneasy. She was new to the area and new to this company. However, she was pleased that her new job offered her the opportunity to play on the company's volleyball team. She quickly made new friends and, through her new friends, learned about the city. Apparently, Elaine's new job satisfies her ________ needs. 

• A. social

• B. esteem

• C. self-actualization

• D. physiological

Herzberg's research found that safe working conditions and good pay: 

• A. were important motivators for most workers.

• B. helped maintain worker satisfaction, but did little to increase motivation.

• C. had no impact on worker morale.

• D. were very important motivators for professional workers and managers, but were poor motivators for unskilled workers.

Gerald believes that most of his subordinates dislike work and would avoid it if possible. He also believes that his workers have little, if any, ambition, and that the only way to motivate them is by using threats and punishment. Gerald's views are consistent with ___________ management. 

• A. Theory B

• B. Theory X

• C. Theory Y

• D. Theory Z

Which of the following is the best example of extinction as the term is used in reinforcement theory? 

• A. A manager uses very harsh negative reinforcements to punish a worker for undesirable behaviour.

• B. An employee refuses to do a certain task because she does not value the reward that she will receive for its successful completion.

• C. A worker expresses frustration and quits because he feels management has set goals that are impossible to attain.

• D. A manager decides not to take any specific actions against an employee who has engaged in undesirable behaviour.