Motivation Theory Quiz

An individual who is both intrinsically and extrinsically motivated is more likely to:

• enjoy teaching children because they are generally receptive and interested in learning.

• enjoy solving complex programming problems and learning about others' innovations.

• enjoy taking care of patients and be motivated by having a secure job with good benefits.

• be motivated by the opportunity to earn a high income in a secure job position.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights both intrinsic motivation (enjoying patient care) and extrinsic motivation (seeking job security and benefits), making it the best fit for someone motivated by both factors.

__________ is a person's perception about the extent to which performance at a certain level results in the attainment of outcomes.

• Expectancy

• Valence

• Inequity

• Instrumentality

Answer explanation

Instrumentality refers to the belief that achieving a certain level of performance will lead to specific outcomes. In this context, it captures the perception of the link between performance and rewards.

According to expectancy theory, if expectancy is high, people:

• perceive that if they try hard, they can perform at a high level.

• perceive that effort is not correlated with outcomes.

• value relationships over performance and achievement.

• have a strong desire to control and influence others.

Answer explanation

According to expectancy theory, a high expectancy means individuals believe that their effort will lead to high performance. Thus, they perceive that if they try hard, they can perform at a high level.

Rochelle believes she is paid fairly for her work as an accountant given the hours she works. The theory of motivation that concentrates on people's perceptions of the fairness of their work outcomes relative to, or in proportion to, their work inputs is:

• expectancy.

• equity.

• goal-setting.

• social learning.

Answer explanation

The equity theory focuses on individuals' perceptions of fairness in their work outcomes compared to their inputs. Rochelle feels her pay is fair, aligning with the equity theory, which emphasizes this balance.

Chuy works the same hours as Latoya, but since he produces more than she does, he believes he should be paid more. Chuy is illustrating

• Low valence.

• Overpayment inequity.

• Underpayment inequity.

• High valence.

Answer explanation

Chuy feels he should earn more because he produces more than Latoya, despite working the same hours. This reflects underpayment inequity, where he perceives his input-output ratio as unfair compared to hers.

Satisfying an employee's esteem needs, as described in Maslow's hierarchy of motives, can be accomplished with the policy of

• Giving people the opportunity to use their skills and abilities to the fullest extent possible.

• Promoting good interpersonal relations and organizing social functions.

• Providing job security, adequate medical benefits, and safe working conditions.

• Granting promotions and recognizing the accomplishments of individual employees.

Answer explanation

Granting promotions and recognizing accomplishments directly satisfies esteem needs by enhancing self-esteem and status, making employees feel valued and appreciated for their contributions.

According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, the lowest-level needs include

• Being recognized for accomplishments.

• The opportunity to use one's skills to the fullest extent.

• Safe working conditions.

• Food, clothing, and housing.

Answer explanation

According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, the lowest-level needs are physiological, which include basic requirements for survival such as food, clothing, and housing. The other options represent higher-level needs.

A criticism of Maslow's theory is

• More than one need may be satisfied at a time.

• The highest-level need is never satisfied.

• It has no use in business.

• It only included men in the original study, so it does not apply to women.

Answer explanation

A key criticism of Maslow's theory is that individuals can experience multiple needs simultaneously, rather than following a strict hierarchy. This challenges the idea that needs must be satisfied in a specific order.

A manager organizes company picnics for her employees regularly and tries to promote good interpersonal relationships among her team members. According to Maslow's Hierarchy of needs, the manager is trying to satisfy the __________ needs of her employees at work.

• belongingness

• safety

• self-actualization

• esteem

Answer explanation

The manager's efforts to organize picnics and promote interpersonal relationships aim to fulfill the belongingness needs of her employees, as these needs involve social connections and a sense of community.

According to Herzberg's theory, hygiene needs are best satisfied by

• the ability to grow on the job.

• a sense of achievement.

• a good working environment.

• creative assignments.

Answer explanation

According to Herzberg's theory, hygiene needs, which include factors like working conditions, are best satisfied by a good working environment. This choice addresses basic needs and prevents dissatisfaction.