Motivation Case Study

Which of the four drives is most likely influencing Wendy’s reaction to Tanya’s promotion?

• Acquire and Achieve

• Bond and Belong

• Defend and Define

Answer explanation

Wendy feels her career status was threatened, triggering the drive to defend.

How can Tanya use the drive to bond to improve relationships within the clinic?

• Encourage teamwork and open communication

• Increase individual performance targets

• Avoid discussing workplace conflicts

Answer explanation

The drive to bond is about creating social connections, and teamwork helps foster this.

Which of the following would be an effective way for Tanya to satisfy the drive to acquire among her staff?

• Provide career development opportunities

• Give all employees the same workload regardless of performance

• Limit promotions to senior employees only

Answer explanation

The drive to acquire is about achieving personal growth and status, which career opportunities fulfill.

Which drive is likely motivating Tanya’s need to manage the clinic effectively?

• Create and Challenge

• Acquire and Achieve

• Bond and Belong

Answer explanation

It is about understanding and making sense of challenges, which aligns with Tanya’s approach to managing the clinic.

What might be an effective way to address Wendy’s frustrations based on the four-drive theory?

• Offer Wendy more autonomy in her role

• Address her drive to defend through dialogue and resolution

• Increase Wendy’s pay

Answer explanation

Wendy’s frustrations are rooted in her perception of unfairness, so addressing her drive to defend will help resolve the issue.

How does Equity Theory explain Wendy’s dissatisfaction with the promotion?

• Wendy feels her effort (input) wasn’t rewarded equally (outcome) compared to Tanya

• Wendy dislikes the work environment

• Wendy wants more responsibilities

Answer explanation

Equity Theory suggests Wendy perceives an imbalance between her input (effort) and outcome (promotion).

To maintain fairness in the clinic, what should Tanya focus on according to Equity Theory?

• Providing rewards and recognition based on individual contributions

• Giving all staff equal responsibilities

• Avoiding promotions for the next few years

Answer explanation

Equity Theory emphasizes matching effort (input) with rewards (outcomes) to ensure fairness.

What action would best help Tanya restore perceived fairness in Wendy’s situation?

• Increase Wendy’s salary without explanation

• Ignore Wendy’s feelings and focus on other staff

• Have a one-on-one conversation to explain the promotion process

Answer explanation

Open communication about why Tanya was chosen helps address Wendy’s sense of inequity.

According to Equity Theory, what happens if employees feel they are being treated unfairly?

• They are more likely to accept their situation

• They may experience decreased motivation and engagement

• They will seek immediate promotions

Answer explanation

Unfair treatment leads to disengagement and lower motivation, which can affect overall team morale.

What is the main focus of Equity Theory when managing a team?

• Focusing on minimizing conflict without addressing underlying causes

• Offering individual incentives regardless of team dynamics

• Ensuring rewards are given fairly based on effort and contribution

Answer explanation

Equity Theory emphasizes fair treatment by ensuring that efforts and rewards are aligned.