Deck 15: Managing Employee Motivation and Performance

Question 1

The historical perspectives on motivation are the traditional,human relations,and contingency approaches.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

Content perspectives focus on why people choose certain behavioral options to fulfill their needs and how they evaluate their satisfaction after they have attained these goals.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

Reinforcement schedules based on behaviors are called ratio reinforcement schedules.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

Goal commitment is the extent to which a goal is challenging and requires effort.

Question 5

Goal-setting theory can be used to implement both expectancy and equity theory concepts.

Question 6

Research has found that people from different cultures are likely to have different need categories and hierarchies.

Question 7

People with a high need for power have a desire to assume personal responsibility,a tendency to set moderately difficult goals,a desire for specific and immediate feedback,and a preoccupation with their tasks.

Question 8

ERG theory suggests that more than one level of need can cause motivation at the same time.

Question 9

The human relations view assumes that the contributions themselves are valuable to both individuals and organizations.

Question 10

The goal for the manager is to maximize the likelihood an employee will choose to work as hard as possible at a job.

Question 11

When actors are playing a part,they try to determine what causes a character to behave in a certain way.The actor is searching for the character's motivation.

Question 12

The two methods of increasing the frequency of a behavior are positive reinforcement and extinction.

Question 13

The two methods of reducing the frequency of behavior are punishment and avoidance.

Question 14

If needs remain unsatisfied,the person will become frustrated,regress to a lower level,and begin to pursue those things again.This is called the two-factor theory.

Question 15

Individual performance is generally determined by three things: skills,pay,and friends.

Question 16

Reinforcement perspectives explain the role of rewards that cause behavior to change or remain the same over time.

Question 17

Most managers are not directly involved with meeting an employees need for self-actualization.However,if the work involves the employees faith and helping others,the need is more likely to be met.

Question 18

Abraham Maslow was a traditionalist.

Question 19

Performance based rewards violates the equity theory.

Question 20

The goal-setting theory of motivation assumes that behavior is a result of conscious goals and intentions.

Question 21

An advantage of merit pay over incentive pay is that merit pay is typically a one-shot reward that does not accumulate by adding to base salary.

Question 22

Which historical approach to motivation is based on scientific management and takes an economic incentive approach to motivation?

A) Traditional
B) Human relations
C) Human resources
D) Content
E) Process

Question 23

Gerald is about to cook dinner and discovers he is missing an ingredient.He can switch to a new recipe,substitute an ingredient,or create something completely new.He is currently in which step of the motivation process?

A) Choosing a behavior that satisfies the need
B) Determining future needs
C) Searching for ways to satisfy the need
D) Evaluating need satisfaction
E) Recognizing a need

Question 24

When the number of H1N1 flu cases in an elementary school reached 10%,classes were postponed.The school could not meet the ____ needs of students and faculty until the flu was gone.

A) psychological
B) security
C) belongingness
D) esteem
E) physiological

Question 25

Emergency medical technicians work 48 hour shifts every seven days.They use a compressed work schedule.

Question 26

A Scanlon plan is similar to gainsharing,but the distribution of gains is tilted more heavily to employees.

Question 27

According to the ____ approach to motivation,employees want to contribute and are able to make genuine contributions to the organization.This philosophy guides most contemporary thinking about employee motivation.

A) traditional
B) human relations
C) human resources
D) content
E) process

Question 28

Wegmans sends deli employees to France to learn about cheese.Wegmans is attempting to meet ____ needs.

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

Question 29

Which of the following factors would NOT satisfy Maslow's physiological needs?

A) Restrooms
B) Food
C) Sex
D) Pay
E) Clothing

Question 30

Mother Theresa was asked which country was the poorest.She replied,"the United States,because people are so lonely there." The culture of the U.S.does not do a good job of meeting the need for

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

Question 31

The need to have a safe physical and emotional environment is a(n)____ need.

A) esteem
B) physiological
C) psychological
D) security
E) social

Question 32

According to the text,performance is basically determined by

A) intelligence,environmental influences,and ability.
B) ability,motivation,and environment.
C) motivation,experience,and subordinates.
D) inner drives,psychological needs,and motivation.
E) motivation,intelligence,and ability.

Question 33

Wal-Mart rewards high performers with the chance to model or choose a family member to model,for their sales flyers.Wal-Mart is attempting to meet associate's ____ needs.

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

Question 34

Al just graduated from college with a 3.86 GPA in finance.Last summer he had an internship at a Federal Reserve Bank and received glowing performance reports.He has just gone to work for a Wall Street investment banking firm noted for providing its people with all the tools they need to succeed and then letting them sink or swim.Moore is determined to rise rapidly in the organization.From this information,Al's ____ should be high.

A) situational self-relevance
B) drive
C) need
D) performance
E) expectancy

Question 35

GM and the UAW announced an agreement to increase pay of entry-level employees.This will affect the ____ needs of these employees.

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

Question 36

Empowerment is more comprehensive than participation.

Question 37

According to the ____ approach to motivation,the illusion of employee involvement and importance is sufficient to satisfy workers' basic social needs and result in higher motivation to perform.

A) traditional
B) human relations
C) human resources
D) content
E) process

Question 38

Which of the following perspectives on motivation concerns what motivates people as opposed to how they are motivated?

A) Traditional
B) Human relations
C) Human resources
D) Content
E) Process

Question 39

Book clubs around the country include readers who not only enjoy reading,but also are fulfilling their needs for

A) esteem.
B) power.
C) affiliation.
D) security.
E) achievement.

Question 40

The method for applying the basic elements of reinforcement theory in an organizational setting is called behavior modification.

Question 41

A construction worker injured on the job is on convalescent time-off for five weeks.She can't wait to get back to work and accomplish something.This is a(n)____ need.

A) achievement
B) esteem
C) self-respect
D) affiliation
E) security

Question 42

When a company hires a CEO from the outside,she often will bring with her some trusted and valued employees.This helps her meet her _____ need right away.

A) achievement.
B) affiliation.
C) self-actualization.
D) security.
E) esteem.

Question 43

Ellen claims her job is so easy she goes to work to relax after a busy weekend.She says she'll never retire.Using Herzberg's theory of motivation

A) Ellen needs to satisfy her actualization need.
B) existence is the need most important to Ellen.
C) hygiene factors are more important to Ellen than motivators.
D) the need for affiliation motivates Ellen.
E) Ellen has a high effort-to-performance expectancy level.

Question 44

The title Major General is a way to help satisfy someone's need for

A) esteem.
B) belongingness.
C) self-actualization.
D) safety.
E) equity.

Question 45

Jill enjoys a challenge.She never stagnates.If work is not providing enough growth,then she will train for a marathon.She is working on her ____ needs.

A) esteem
B) physiological satisfaction
C) belongingness
D) security
E) achievement

Question 46

Which of the following is an example of a content theory of motivation?

A) Expectancy
B) Equity
C) Reinforcement
D) Security
E) Two-factor

Question 47

Practicing one's faith is part of meeting ____ and ____ needs.

A) growth,relatedness
B) existence,growth
C) security and esteem
D) relatedness,existence
E) physiology and belongingness

Question 48

Unions nearly always bargain for retirement packages and comprehensive medical plans.Recently,they have begun negotiating for advanced notice of plant closings.What need level from Maslow's hierarchy do these demands represent?

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

Question 49

Way is teaching himself to play the trombone.He is improving his

A) physiological and safety needs.
B) belongingness and self-esteem needs.
C) self-actualization and the need for self-esteem.
D) belongingness and need for the esteem of others.
E) safety and belongingness needs.

Question 50

Solitary confinement is difficult for people because they have a need for

A) achievement.
B) affiliation.
C) security.
D) esteem.
E) power.

Question 51

It can be argued that ____ needs must be met entirely from within the individual.

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

Question 52

What need is evidenced by the fact that people buy life and health insurance and deposit money in savings accounts?

A) Physiological
B) Existence
C) Self-actualization
D) Relatedness
E) Growth

Question 53

According to Herzberg's two-factor theory of motivation,the factors presumed to cause dissatisfaction are related to the

A) ​work content.
B) ​work environment.
C) ​job variety.
D) ​job rotation.
E) ​work enlargement.

Question 54

The two-factor theory of motivation notes that the factors influencing the satisfaction continuum are related specifically to the

A) ​job rotation.
B) ​job variety.
C) ​work enlargement.
D) ​work environment.
E) ​work content.

Question 55

Generally speaking,politicians have a desire for approval.This shows a need for ____.

A) achievement
B) affiliation
C) power
D) security
E) esteem

Question 56

Which of the following statements does NOT describe a common characteristic of people with a high need for achievement?

A) They want immediate feedback.
B) They assume personal responsibility.
C) They set realistic goals.
D) They are often preoccupied with their task.
E) They make up one quarter of the U.S.population

Question 57

Which of the following statements about the need for power is FALSE?

A) People with high power needs tend to be high performers.
B) People with high power needs tend to have good attendance records.
C) Most supervisors do not have a high need for power.
D) More successful managers have higher power needs than do less successful managers.
E) The need for power is the desire to be influential and to control one's environment.

Question 58

Ron Cole enjoys many good friendships with the people he works with,but feels a real need to achieve great things in his job.He tries everything he can think of to get his boss to give him a meaningful project to work on and to gain some recognition for what he does,but to no avail.Finally,he concludes that he is wasting his time and reverts to nourishing his friendships with coworkers.What concept from the ERG theory of motivation would explain this renewed interest in friendships?

A) Satisfaction-progression element
B) Punishment cycle
C) Frustration-regression element
D) Equity-reduction element
E) Expectancy-decline cycle

Question 59

According to the ERG theory of motivation

A) more than one level of needs can operate simultaneously.
B) employees are primarily motivated by money.
C) satisfaction is contingent on hygiene factors.
D) few people are motivated by a need for achievement.
E) motivation is a function of how much we want something and how likely we think we are to get it.

Question 60

You hear one of your subordinates say,"I really like my boss,the people we work with are great,and the pay is as good as you can expect,but I just can't get excited about coming to work in the morning." Which of the following theorists would say,"I told you so."?

A) Maslow
B) Herzberg
C) McClelland
D) Adams
E) Fayol

Question 61

Cliff works for the New York Department of Transportation.He perceives that his union's contract is so strong he can't be fired and the only way he will get promoted is if the person above him dies or retires.He has

A) low effort-to-performance expectancy and low performance-to-outcome expectancy.
B) low effort-to-performance expectancy and high performance-to-outcome expectancy.
C) high effort-to-performance expectancy and low performance-to-outcome expectancy.
D) high effort-to-performance expectancy and high performance-to-outcome expectancy.
E) zero valence.

Question 62

When a company has a history of being run by family members,it affects the way non-family members view opportunities.A manager may believe that she can work really hard and perform well,but be passed over for promotion by a family member.Nepotism disrupts which of the following?

A) Satisfaction leads to performance
B) ​Sum of all valences
C) Expectancy leads to high performance
D) Performance leads to outcome
E) Hygiene factors

Question 63

Edwin is delighted that his boss has promised a hefty bonus to whomever gets the most customers to sign up for lawn-mowing services.According to expectancy theory,Edwin's delight is due to

A) the outcome valence.
B) the effort-to-performance expectancy.
C) the performance-to-reward expectancy.
D) the outcome.
E) none of these choices.

Question 64

The ____ theory says motivation is a function of how much we want something and how likely we think we are to get it.

A) expectancy
B) equity
C) reinforcement
D) two-factor
E) ERG

Question 65

According to equity theory,equity in a given situation depends on

A) the amount of pay received for doing a job.
B) the outcome/input ratios for an individual and some comparison other.
C) a subjective evaluation of the outcome/input ratios for an individual and some comparison other.
D) the amount of money an individual gets for doing a job relative to the amount a comparison other gets.
E) the number of bonuses received each year

Question 66

As it is used in expectancy theory,the term valence refers to

A) a subjective probability estimate that effort will lead to performance.
B) a subjective probability estimate that performance will lead to rewards.
C) the value an individual places on outcomes.
D) the product of the effort to performance and performance to reward expectancies.
E) the overall level of individual motivation.

Question 67

The ____ theory of motivation is based on the idea that employees compare their inputs and outcomes to some other person's to determine if they are being fairly treated.

A) expectancy
B) equity
C) reinforcement
D) hierarchy of needs
E) two-factor

Question 68

Which of the following is NOT a process theory of motivation?

A) Expectancy theory
B) ERG theory
C) Goal setting
D) Equity theory
E) Porter-Lawler extension

Question 69

Raphael went to law school,passed his state bar exam,and decided to become a pastry chef.According to expectancy theory,practicing law had

A) high positive valence.
B) a high need for achievement.
C) a need for self-actualization.
D) high negative valence.
E) a high intrinsic self-relevance

Question 70

Research has shown that people with a strong need for ____ are likely to be superior performers,have good attendance records,and occupy supervisory positions.

A) achievement
B) affiliation
C) power
D) security
E) esteem

Question 71

Which motivational theory suggests that people will rationalize away differences between rewards they and others receive?

A) Hierarchy of needs
B) Equity
C) Expectancy
D) Reinforcement
E) Two-factor

Question 72

Which of the following is NOT one of the basic assumptions of expectancy theory?

A) Individual differences as well as the environment influence motivation.
B) Individuals observe their own behavior and decide whether it is motivated by internal or external factors.
C) People are free to make choices about how to behave.
D) People have a choice of behavioral alternatives.
E) Different people march to different drummers.

Question 73

Amelia believes that if she runs longer in practice,she will race faster at meets.Which of the following is true for Amelia?

A) Her efforts are low.
B) Her performance-to-outcome expectancy is low.
C) The sum of her outcome valences is high.
D) Her effort-to-performance expectancy is high.
E) None of these choices.

Question 74

Brittany compares her salary to Neal's and finds that her salary is higher than his.According to equity theory,Brittany should

A) remember to compare her inputs to Neal's.
B) be motivated,because she makes more money.
C) be unmotivated,because she is being rewarded too highly.
D) be motivated,because Neal is not valued by the firm as much as she is.
E) None of these choices.

Question 75

According to the expectancy model,performance is a result of

A) valence.
B) the need for achievement,affiliation,and power.
C) the strength of hygiene and motivation factors.
D) the need for existence,relatedness,and growth.
E) individual effort,ability,and environmental forces.

Question 76

According to the expectancy theory,motivation determines

A) effort-to-performance expectancy.
B) performance-to-reward expectancy.
C) effort-to-performance expectancy and performance-to-reward expectancy.
D) effort-to-performance expectancy and valence of outcomes.
E) effort-to-performance expectancy,performance-to-reward expectancy,and valence of outcomes.

Question 77

To make successful use of the equity theory,managers must remember that

A) over rewarded employees perform best.
B) under rewarded employees perform best.
C) for rewards to motivate employees,employees must perceive them as being fair.
D) employees must consider their inputs equal to the inputs of their comparison other.
E) employees must consider their outcomes equal to the outcomes of their comparison other.

Question 78

A manager has been told that she will get a $50,000 bonus if her team meets its quota,but that she will be fired if her team does not perform better than it did last year.Which motivation theory is her boss most likely using?

A) Equity theory
B) Maslow's needs hierarchy
C) Herzberg's two-factor theory
D) Expectancy theory
E) ERG theory

Question 79

Which of the following factors would MOST likely cause an employee to have a low effort-to-performance expectancy?

A) The company keeps its pay schedules secret.
B) The employee perceives his or her ability as low.
C) Management increases standards for receiving a bonus when workers start increasing productivity.
D) It is a well-known fact that the organization pays below industry standards.
E) The employee feels that the organization's reward is not adequate.

Question 80

Which of the following describes how managers should use the expectancy model?

A) They should recognize that employees have different needs.
B) They should try to understand each employee's key needs.
C) They should help employees determine how to satisfy their needs through performance.
D) They should be aware that employees would be motivated to change something if they do not experience high expectancy levels.
E) All of these choices