Deck 4: Motivation in Organizations

Question 1

Herzberg's dual-structure theory was a response to the prevailing thinking that

A)job loyalty ranged from loyalty to disloyalty.
B)job satisfaction ranged from satisfaction to dissatisfaction.
C)job motivation ranged from motivation to demotivation.
D)job ability ranged from ability to disability.
E)job motivation ranged from progression to regression.

Answer 1

B

Question 2

According to Herzberg's dual-structure theory, motivation factors were often cited as the primary causes of

A)job enrichment and motivation.
B)satisfaction and motivation.
C)dissatisfaction and lack of motivation.
D)loyalty and commitment.
E)higher performance and pay.

Answer 2

B

Question 3

People with a high need for power can be successful managers if they

A)curb their desires when they might interfere with organizational relationships.
B)lessen alienation with other employees.
C)have a high need for affiliation.
D)seek power to increase their standing in the organization.
E)strive to get along with others.

Answer 3

A

Question 4

____ is the set of forces that causes people to engage in one behavior rather than some alternative behavior.

A)Autonomy
B)Task identity
C)Motivation
D)Activity
E)Equilibrium

Question 5

The most difficult performance factor to manage is often

A)environment.
B)mastery.
C)activity.
D)motivation.
E)equilibrium.

Question 6

The scientific management view of motivation includes all of the following EXCEPT:

A)employees are motivated by money.
B)work is inherently unpleasant.
C)employees want to feel useful and important.
D)advocates incentive pay systems.
E)the nature of the work is not important.

Question 7

People with a strong need for affiliation most often work in jobs with

A)high technical skill demands.
B)many opportunities to control one's environment.
C)a high degree of immediate feedback.
D)a lot of interpersonal contact.
E)little opportunity to accomplish tasks more effectively than in the past.

Question 8

The human resources approach to motivation assumes

A)employees are economically motivated.
B)that employees will achieve their security needs.
C)that the contributions themselves are valuable to both the individuals and the organization.
D)individual differences.
E)that motivation is driven by compensation.

Question 9

According to equity theory, people

A)have the motivation to improve their standard of living.
B)have the motivation to develop satisfying relationships.
C)want to be treated fairly.
D)want everything to be equal.
E)compare what they get from a job with what they want from a job.

Question 10

In Sweden and Norway, Maslow's ____ needs may motivate employees more than the other needs.

A)belongingness
B)esteem
C)security
D)physiological
E)self-actualization

Question 11

Ramone has satisfied his basic needs and has many friends. He is now trying to learn new skills and advance his career. According to Alderfer, Ramone's activities are explained by which component of ERG theory?

A)Satisfaction-progression
B)Frustration-regression
C)Importance-satisfaction
D)Satisfaction-regression
E)Frustration-progression

Question 12

For various reasons, Tamarra is unable to move ahead into a higher position at work. According to Alderfer's ERG theory, which of the following sets of needs will become more important to Tamarra?

A)Existence
B)Growth
C)Relatedness
D)Security
E)Belongingness

Question 13

According to Herzberg, once a state of no dissatisfaction has been reached,

A)the manager should strive to create a feeling of equity.
B)the employee will naturally be satisfied.
C)further attempts to enhance motivation via the hygiene factors will be a waste of time.
D)the employee will be motivated to achieve.
E)increased attention to motivation factors is pointless.

Question 14

The equation P = M + A + E states that performance is a function of

A)motivation, activity, and equity.
B)management, assets, and equity.
C)motivation, ability, and environment.
D)motion, activity, and equilibrium.
E)mastery, acquisition, and expertise.

Question 15

The need for ____ is most frequently associated with David McClelland.

A)security
B)power
C)achievement
D)self-esteem
E)self-improvement

Question 16

According to Maslow, if a previously satisfied lower-level need becomes deficient,

A)the individual returns to the level just below the deficient level.
B)the individual returns to the lowest level that is now deficient.
C)the individual becomes demotivated.
D)the individual advances a level.
E)the individual begins again at the bottom of the hierarchy.

Question 17

All of the following are included in the human relations approach to motivation EXCEPT:

A)employees want to feel useful.
B)employees want to feel important.
C)employees have strong social needs.
D)employees are motivated by only money.
E)allow employees a modicum of self-direction.

Question 18

Motivated behavior begins with one or more

A)motives.
B)people.
C)wants.
D)needs.
E)behaviors.

Question 19

____ needs, according to Maslow's hierarchy, are the most basic requirements that people possess.

A)Growth
B)Security
C)Physiological
D)Self-actualization
E)Esteem

Question 20

Why do high-need achievers tend not to make good top managers?

A)Top managers are required to have too much formal education.
B)High-need achievers tend to make decisions that are too risky.
C)Top managers seldom receive immediate feedback.
D)High-need achievers delegate too many responsibilities.
E)Top managers have too high a need for affiliation.

Question 21

____ theory assumes that people are motivated to work toward a goal if they want that goal and think they can achieve it.

A)Perception
B)Equity
C)Attribution
D)Reinforcement
E)Expectancy

Question 22

In order for social learning to take place,

A)tasks must be complex, so as to motivate the employee.
B)the behavior being modeled must be intangible in nature.
C)the employee must possess the physical attributes needed to imitate the behavior.
D)the employee need not perceive a direct cause-and-effect linkage.
E)the employee must be physically present at the time of the demonstration.

Question 23

OB modification attempts to use

A)positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors.
B)punishment to discourage frequent behaviors.
C)extinction to encourage infrequent behavior.
D)avoidance to discourage potentially negative future behaviors.
E)the work environment to shape behavior.

Question 24

Research has suggested that the expectancy theory is more likely to explain motivation in ____.

A)Japan
B)Muslim countries
C)the Federal Republic of Germany
D)Great Britain
E)the United States

Question 25

The basic expectancy framework suggests that for motivated behavior to occur,

A)the performance-to-outcome expectancies should approach zero.
B)the sum of all the valences for the relevant potential outcomes must be negative.
C)none of the valences for the relevant potential outcomes should be negative.
D)the effort-to-performance ratio should be well above 10.
E)the positive valences should outweigh the negative valences of potential outcomes.

Question 26

Which of the following usually is a "change our own outcome" option when attempting to correct an inequitable situation?

A)Change the object of comparison
B)Complain to the supervisor
C)Change our original self-assessment
D)Alter our perception of other's inputs or outcomes
E)Seek additional avenues for growth and development

Question 27

Which of the following is first step in OB modification?

A)Measure baseline performance.
B)Develop and apply an appropriate intervention strategy.
C)Identify the existing behavioral contingencies, or consequences of performance.
D)Identify performance-related behavior events.
E)Measure performance again to determine whether the desired effect has been achieved.

Question 28

According to the equity theory, inputs include all of the following EXCEPT

A)education.
B)experience.
C)effort.
D)loyalty.
E)money.

Question 29

Porter and Lawler's extension of the expectancy model argues that

A)only extrinsic rewards are important.
B)reward equity replaces valence.
C)ability, traits, and role perceptions are removed from the original model.
D)rewards are less important than originally thought.
E)high levels of performance may lead to satisfaction.

Question 30

Which two types of reinforcement are generally accepted as means for increasing the frequency of desired behavior?

A)Positive reinforcement and extinction
B)Avoidance and punishment
C)Avoidance and extinction
D)Extinction and punishment
E)Positive reinforcement and avoidance

Question 31

Sunil is an employee of McDowell Instruments. Sunil takes longer breaks than his coworkers, and often rationalizes his behavior because the organization does not pay him enough for the level of work that he does. Sunil is reducing his perceived inequity by

A)altering his perception of self.
B)altering his perception of the situation.
C)changing his inputs.
D)changing his outcomes.
E)changing the object of comparison.

Question 32

Nancy tries to always be on time for work because she once saw her boss give someone an award for good attendance. Nancy is exhibiting learning through

A)avoidance.
B)positive reinforcement.
C)punishment.
D)extinction.
E)a stimulus-response mechanism.

Question 33

Which type of reinforcement schedule is effective at motivating desirable behaviors, especially in the early stages of learning?

A)Variable interval
B)Fixed ratio
C)Fixed interval
D)Variable ratio
E)Continuous

Question 34

One common criticism associated with the use of OB modification is that it

A)never attains ideals.
B)discriminates.
C)includes elements of manipulation.
D)is expensive.
E)is not cost-effective.

Question 35

All of the following are steps in an individual's formation of equity perceptions EXCEPT:

A)evaluating how they are being treated.
B)forming perceptions of how a comparison other is being treated.
C)comparing their own circumstances with those of a comparison other.
D)confronting the comparison other with any inequity.
E)making a choice to pursue equity-restoring options.

Question 36

Equity theory provides several insights for managerial applications to everyday situations in the workplace. Which of the following statements is NOT true in this regard?

A)People tend to take a multifaceted view of the rewards they receive from the organization.
B)The basis for organizational rewards should be clearly communicated to employees.
C)People base their experience of equity on their perceptions, not on reality.
D)Formal and informal organizational rewards are equally observable to individuals when formulating equity perceptions.
E)Employees' perceptions may differ from the manager's perceptions.

Question 37

A $25 bonus for every fifth sale would be an example of which schedule of reinforcement?

A)Fixed-ratio
B)Variable interval
C)Fixed interval
D)Variable ratio
E)Continuous

Question 38

Aria has been performing successfully at work for several months. Aria believes that she will get a pay raise if she maintains this high level of performance. This belief is an example of the ____ expectancy.

A)effort-to-performance
B)performance-to-benefit
C)performance-to-outcome
D)performance-to-valence
E)effort-to-outcome

Question 39

In its simplest form, reinforcement theory suggests that behavior is a function of

A)equity perceptions.
B)emotional states.
C)attitudes.
D)subconscious perceptions.
E)consequences.

Question 40

Which of the following statements is NOT true about continuous reinforcement?

A)Extinction sets in quickly when reinforcement is removed.
B)It is frequently used by managers in organizational settings.
C)It is the process of reinforcing behavior every time it occurs.
D)It is an effective means for increasing the frequency of desired behavior.
E)It requires that managers monitor every behavior of an employee and provide effective reinforcement.

Question 41

Alderfer's growth needs are analogous to Maslow's needs for

A)physiological and security.
B)security and social.
C)physiological and social.
D)self-actualization and self-esteem.
E)esteem and social.

Question 42

Which of these assumes that people want to contribute and are able to make genuine contributions?

A)The human resources approach
B)The scientific management
C)The human relations approach
D)The equity approach
E)The hierarchy of need approach

Question 43

David McClelland argued that the need for affiliation is the desire to control one's environment.

Question 44

The quality of supervision, working conditions, and interpersonal relationships are part of hygiene factors.

Question 45

According to the dual-structure theory of motivation, all of these are hygiene factors EXCEPT:

A)working conditions.
B)supervision.
C)company policies.
D)the work itself.
E)interpersonal relationships.

Question 46

Security needs are the most basic needs in Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

Question 47

Herzberg's dual-structure theory identifies motivation factors, which prevent dissatisfaction, and hygiene factors, which enhance satisfaction.

Question 48

According to Herzberg, all of these are motivation factors EXCEPT:

A)working conditions.
B)recognition.
C)responsibility.
D)the work itself.
E)achievement.

Question 49

Evidence suggests that supervisors can more easily manage employees' motivation than they can their ability or the environment.

Question 50

Historical perspectives on motivation are important because these ideas provide a background for current understanding of motivation.

Question 51

Which of these suggests that favorable employee attitudes result in motivation to work hard?

A)The human resources approach
B)The scientific management
C)The human relations approach
D)The equity approach
E)The hierarchy of need approach

Question 52

Interestingly, research finds that performance depends upon ability and motivation, but not on the environment.

Question 53

The top two sets of needs in Maslow's hierarchy are referred to as growth needs.

Question 54

The father of scientific management, Frederick Taylor, believed people were motivated by the opportunity to contribute to the workplace.

Question 55

Herzberg argued that satisfaction and dissatisfaction are two different factors that exist along different dimensions.

Question 56

According to Maslow, esteem needs involve realizing our full potential.

Question 57

Which of these assumes that employees are motivated by money?

A)The human resources approach
B)The scientific management
C)The human relations approach
D)The equity approach
E)The hierarchy of need approach

Question 58

According to Herzberg, motivation factors include factors such as achievement, recognition, and responsibility.

Question 59

High-need achievers often do not get promoted into high-level managerial positions.

Question 60

Which needs from Maslow's hierarchy are the hardest to understand and most difficult to satisfy?

A)Social
B)Security
C)Physiological
D)Self-actualization
E)Esteem

Question 61

According to Alderfer, if a person is frustrated trying to satisfy a higher level of needs, he or she will __________ to the previous level.

Question 62

The desirability of outcomes received for performing work is referred to as performance-to-outcome expectancy.

Question 63

According to Alderfer, if a person is successful at trying to satisfy a higher level of needs, he or she will _________ to the next level.

Question 64

Classical conditioning is a simple form of learning that links a conditioned response with an unconditioned stimulus.

Question 65

Equity is achieved when an individual perceives that he or she is being treated fairly in relation to others.

Question 66

____________ are things that offer safety and security, such as adequate housing and clothing and freedom from worry and anxiety.

Question 67

Fixed-interval reinforcement provides reinforcement on a fixed time schedule.

Question 68

Abraham Maslow framed his need theory of motivation in what is termed the __________.

Question 69

__________ is the set of forces that cause people to engage in one behavior rather than some alternative behavior.

Question 70

Individuals might adjust their inputs or outcomes in order to mitigate concerns about inequity.

Question 71

The performance-to-outcome expectancy is a person's perception of the probability that effort will lead to performance.

Question 72

Friendships developed in a work group would most likely satisfy _________ needs.

Question 73

According to extinction, if rewards are removed from behaviors that were previously reinforced, the behaviors are likely to decrease in frequency and eventually disappear.

Question 74

Positive reinforcement increases the frequency of behavior by providing a reward or desirable consequence that follows that behavior.

Question 75

The highest need in Maslow's hierarchy is the need for __________.

Question 76

Porter and Lawler suggested that, under the right conditions, high levels of performance might lead to satisfaction, rather than the other way around.

Question 77

Punishment and extinction both tend to decrease the frequency of undesirable behaviors and conduct.

Question 78

The scientific management perspective assumed that all workers were motivated solely by _________.

Question 79

Social learning suggests that individual behavior is determined by a person's cognitions and social environment.

Question 80

Variable-interval reinforcement varies the amount of time between reinforcements.