Deck 5: Theories of Motivation

Question 1

Salary is a motivator in Herzberg's two-factor theory.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

High levels of justice create higher levels of employee commitment.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Benevolents expect to receive substantial compensation for relatively little input.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

One way to deal with perceived inequity is to decrease your own inputs.

Question 5

Job security is an example of Maslow's safety needs.

Question 6

Hygiene factors are part of the context of the job.

Question 7

You worked really hard on your paper and were very proud to get an A on it.Then you found out that everyone who wrote ten pages or more got an A and now you are upset.You are experiencing high distributive justice.

Question 8

To influence instrumentality,make sure rewards are seen as desirable.

Question 9

The absence of hygiene factors in the work environment leads to worker dissatisfaction.

Question 10

Motivation is a function of the interaction between performance,ability and environment.

Question 11

Process-based theories view motivation as a rational process.

Question 12

Individuals with a high need for achievement may neglect managerial activities like coaching as a waste of time.

Question 13

People perceived as fair recognize that what they believe is fair may differ from what others perceive as fair.

Question 14

One effective way of achieving procedural justice is to allow employees a voice in decision making.

Question 15

Alderfer's existence needs correspond to Maslow's physiological and safety needs.

Question 16

Over-rewarded individuals experience a great deal of guilt and substantially increase their effort to restore their feelings of equity.

Question 17

Equity theory suggests that those perceiving inequity can react to the situation by having the referent decrease inputs.

Question 18

Expectancy theory's instrumentality dimension refers to the degree to which one believes that effort leads to performance.

Question 19

A high need for power is always a destructive element in the workplace.

Question 20

The frustration-regression hypothesis offered by Alderfer suggests individuals frustrated in their attempts to satisfy one need regress to another.

Question 21

The collaborative work environment at Trader Joe's satisfies which of Maslow's hierarchy of needs?

A)safety
B)self-actualization
C)social
D)physiological

Question 22

Maslow's physiological needs may be satisfied by:

A)food.
B)feeling danger-free.
C)feelings of importance.
D)human bonds.

Question 23

One way to satisfy self-actualization needs is to

A)pursue a master's degree through a company's tuition reimbursement program.
B)go out to dinner once a month with coworkers from your department.
C)get a $100 suggestion bonus from your firm for a labor cost saving tip you placed in your department's suggestion box.
D)receive an employee of the week award.

Question 24

Esteem needs are

A)the need to bond with other human beings.
B)the desire to form lasting attachments.
C)the desire to feel important.
D)the freedom from an uncertain future.

Question 25

The phenomenon of "the folly of rewarding A while hoping for B" suggests that at times,people are rewarded for the wrong kind of behavior.

Question 26

Analyzing Zappos success using Herzberg's two-factor theory of motivation would suggest that

A)contextual factors,like being among the best paid employees in the retail industry,are the only reason for the firm's success.
B)content factors,like the collaborative atmosphere each employee creates are the only reason for the firm's success.
C)growth needs,like the autonomy in customer service,are the only reason for the firm's success.
D)Contextual,content,and growth needs factors all help to contribute to Trader Joe's success.

Question 27

To reduce the frequency of negative behaviors,remove the rewards that followed those unwanted behaviors.

Question 28

Michael needs to discipline one of his employees.Before doing so,he should make sure the punishment he is administering fits the crime.

Question 29

How could a firm best satisfy an employee's safety needs?

A)Enroll the employee in a Microsoft Office training course.
B)Provide an employee appreciation luncheon.
C)Develop a weekly employee bowling league.
D)Create a job security clause in the employment contract.

Question 30

Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory of motivation

A)suggests once basic needs are satisfied,higher order needs become motivators.
B)enjoys strong research support.
C)is a systematic approach managers can utilize to explain the similar needs employees have at any given time and the similar reactions of employees to similar treatment.
D)was developed based on Maslow's observations of individual employees in a variety of workplace settings.

Question 31

Maslow's theory of motivation is criticized because

A)research does not support the argument that satisfied needs no longer motivate behavior.
B)its "frustration-regression" hypothesis has no practical implications for the workplace.
C)the research methodology employed does not fully account for the attribution of cause to the individual or the situation.
D)substantial empirical research has indicated little practical application of the theory.

Question 32

Expectancy theory is a need-based theory.

Question 33

Reinforcement theory is based on behavioral and operant conditioning.

Question 34

Extinction is increasing the frequency of desirable behaviors.

Question 35

Maslow's theory of motivation suggests

A)employee needs are ordered.
B)employee needs are grouped in three categories.
C)employee needs are divided into motivator and hygiene categories.
D)employee needs are acquired as the result of life experiences.

Question 36

Using the extinction approach to get a coworker to quit using inappropriate jokes during his conversations means you ignore the jokes instead of laughing at them.

Question 37

Giving an employee a sales commission every time he makes a sale is an example of a continuous reinforcement schedule.

Question 38

Motivation is culturally based.

Question 39

Being among the best paid workers in the retail industry is the sole reason why employees at Trader Joe's are so motivated.

Question 40

The simple premise of Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory is

A)more than one human need operates at one time.
B)work environment aspects that satisfy an individual are very different than those aspects which dissatisfy an individual.
C)individuals acquire three types of needs as a result of their life experiences.
D)human beings have needs that are hierarchically ranked.

Question 41

Which of the following is a process based theory of motivation?

A)Alderfer's ERG theory.
B)Herzberg's two-factor theory.
C)Skinner's reinforcement theory.
D)McClelland's acquired needs theory.

Question 42

In comparing Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory to Alderfer's ERG theory

A)ERG theory recognizes more than one need may operate at one time.
B)Maslow's theory recognizes more than one need may operate at one time.
C)ERG theory is based upon observations of individuals in clinical settings.
D)Maslow's theory suggests that individuals who are frustrated in their attempts to satisfy one need may regress to another one.

Question 43

Chloe and Francois are graphic designers at Highland Lithographics.Both have the same job description.Earlier this month,Chloe found out that Francois makes $12.50 an hour while she makes $11.00.What theory of motivation best explains why Chloe went to her boss to complain about the pay disparity?

A)ERG theory
B)Equity theory
C)Expectancy theory
D)Reinforcement theory

Question 44

Ramone feels that he was unfairly passed over for a promotion at his firm.How might he deal with the perceived inequity?

A)Have the referent decrease inputs.
B)Maintain current perceptions of the referent's inputs.
C)Increase his inputs.
D)Increase his outcomes.

Question 45

Which of the following statements is true?

A)A need for achievement can be a destructive element in relationships with colleagues.
B)A high need for affiliation serves as a real advantage in managerial positions especially with regard to conducting performance appraisals.
C)A high need for power is a trait of those successful in the sales area.
D)A need for power can have an altruistic form.

Question 46

Abdul tends to emphasize harmonious interpersonal relationships,prefers to be with friends,and enjoys family events.Abdul would probably be categorized as being

A)low in need for achievement.
B)high in need for affiliation.
C)high in need for power.
D)low in need for affiliation.

Question 47

Individuals with a high need for affiliation

A)want to influence others.
B)have a strong need to be successful.
C)desire to make an impact on the organization.
D)want to be accepted by others.

Question 48

Maslow's social needs could be satisfied by

A)receiving an employee of the month award.
B)getting promoted to assistant manager from a supervisor position.
C)attending a department picnic after work.
D)taking a class on Microsoft Office.

Question 49

Your paycheck could likely satisfy which of the following needs identified by Maslow?

A)physiological needs.
B)esteem needs.
C)safety needs.
D)all of the above.

Question 50

What job would be best suited for someone with a high need for affiliation?

A)sales
B)teacher
C)engineer
D)entrepreneur

Question 51

According to ERG theory,if an individual is frustrated in the growth opportunities of his job,

A)he may regress only to relatedness needs.
B)he may regress only to existence needs.
C)he may regress to either relatedness or existence needs.
D)he will be motivated by the next higher need in his need hierarchy.

Question 52

Alderfer's growth needs correspond to Maslow's

A)social needs.
B)safety needs.
C)esteem needs.
D)physiological needs.

Question 53

Alderfer's theory of motivation does all of the following EXCEPT

A)relax the basic assumptions of Maslow's theory of needs
B)assume needs are hierarchically-based
C)propose a "frustration-regression" hypothesis
D)assume needs are grouped into three categories

Question 54

Michele is being considered for a managerial position at Halliburton.She completes a TAT as part of an assessment center exercise for prospective managers.Facilitators will examine the results carefully for their manager choices knowing that

A)individuals high in need for achievement may find it difficult to delegate authority to subordinates.
B)individuals high in need for affiliation are especially effective at providing critical feedback to employees.
C)individuals high in need for power have difficulties disciplining poor performers.
D)individuals high in need for achievement are especially effective at coaching and meeting with subordinates.

Question 55

All of the following are criticisms of Herzberg's theory of motivation EXCEPT

A)the primary research methodology of the study is flawed.
B)the classification of factors as hygiene or motivator is not simple.
C)pay may have symbolic value as communication that the employee is advancing within the company.
D)the theory suggests that improving the environment only goes so far in motivating employees.

Question 56

Which of the following need-based theories has received the greatest amount of support?

A)Herzberg's two-factor theory
B)Maslow's hierarchy of needs
C)Alderfer's ERG theory
D)McClelland's acquired needs theory

Question 57

Which of the following is a hygiene factor in Herzberg's theory of motivation?

A)promotion opportunities.
B)interesting work.
C)salary.
D)achievement.

Question 58

Which of the following is not a hygiene factor in Herzberg's theory of motivation?

A)working conditions
B)salary
C)company policy
D)recognition

Question 59

Alderfer's existence needs correspond to Maslow's

A)social needs.
B)esteem needs.
C)self-actualization needs.
D)safety needs.

Question 60

All of the following are actions those who perceive inequity can undertake to "balance the scales" EXCEPT

A)steal.
B)begin to arrive at work late.
C)quit.
D)produce higher quality work.

Question 61

When reinforcers follow all examples of positive behavior you are using a __________ ___________ of reinforcement.

A)variable ratio
B)equity ratio
C)continuous schedule
D)fixed ratio schedule

Question 62

All of the following are tips to make disciplining an employee more effective EXCEPT

A)discipline when you have time.
B)be consistent in your treatment of employees.
C)determine if punishment is the effective way to modify behavior.
D)document behavior.

Question 63

Joaquin received the Chancellor's Award and an $8,000 scholarship for a research paper and formal presentation he created.He believes that he worked hard for the paper and the presentation.Joaquin would feel a sense of

A)high interactional justice.
B)high interpersonal justice.
C)high distributive justice.
D)high procedural justice.

Question 64

If you wanted to be perceived as a fair person,take this piece of advice:

A)"People are selfish,they care only about their own justice level."
B)"Treat everyone equally when distributing rewards.Differentiation in rewards often lead to unfairness."
C)"Make your own decisions,you are the boss.Since you are accountable for those decisions,you do not need to waste time listening to everyone's opinions."
D)"Think before you speak.Be considerate of others."

Question 65

Individuals who expect yearly wage increases without exhibiting increased performance may be labeled

A)benevolents.
B)entitleds.
C)equitably insensitive.
D)expectancy sensitive.

Question 66

In expectancy theory,valence is

A)the perception that high levels of effort will lead to outcomes of interest like performance.
B)the perception that performance is related to subsequent outcomes such as rewards.
C)the anticipated satisfaction that will result from an outcome.
D)the degree to which people are treated with respect,kindness,and dignity.

Question 67

Steve Kerr's phenomenon,"the folly of rewarding A while hoping for B" is demonstrated by

A)a manager failing to acknowledge an employee who stayed after hours for one week to complete a report for an ill coworker.
B)a manager who fears his top sales person will leave if he criticizes him for being 15 minutes late every day.
C)a manager who promotes a subordinate known for his propensity to argue with his coworkers so that subordinate can be transferred to another department where an individual just retired.
D)rewarding a manager who orders the release of a shipment of manufactured parts full of defects to meet a deadline in spite of the company's highly advertised quality commitment.

Question 68

Praising the employee occasionally when the person shows up on time is an example of __________________ of reinforcement.

A)variable ratio
B)equity ratio
C)continuous schedule
D)fixed ratio schedule

Question 69

An example of extinction is

A)nagging an employee to call a customer.
B)suspending an employee for being late three days in a row.
C)praising an employee for a well written report.
D)ignoring a coworker who is telling dirty jokes.

Question 70

Positive reinforcement

A)decreases the desired behavior.
B)decreases the frequency of negative behavior.
C)increases the desired behavior.
D)reduces the frequency of undesired behavior.

Question 71

Research on equity theory suggests

A)those who perceive inequity increase their work performance.
B)those who feel over-rewarded experience little distress over the situation.
C)those who feel over-rewarded experience guilt over the situation.
D)those who perceive inequity encourage their fellow coworkers to work less hard.

Question 72

You work for your college's annual alumni fund.You have averaged 25 phone calls in a three-hour shift throughout your employment.Your supervisor now demands that you increase that number to 40 calls per three-hour shift.You feel that you do not have the skills or the time to make 40 calls; this is an unrealistic goal.According to expectancy theory,you are experiencing

A)Low expectancy
B)Low instrumentality
C)Low valence
D)Low equity

Question 73

Michael has two finals,accounting and organizational behavior,on the same day of finals week.Based on expectancy theory,which of the following statements suggest how he should allocate his limited study time?

A)For the previous three OB exams Michael studied for hours and received below average grades.He spent fewer hours studying for accounting and earned above average grades.He therefore decides to focus his efforts equally on OB and accounting.
B)Accounting is Michael's major,OB is a general business requirement in his academic program.Michael aspires to be a CPA,so he decides to focus his study time on Accounting.
C)Michael is switching to another college for a communication major after this semester.His business courses will not count toward his total credits at the new college.His grades on these exams will not matter,but he decides to focus on his accounting anyway.
D)Michael loved the group work format that his OB instructor used to teach the course and disliked the lecture format utilized by his accounting professor.He decides to focus his attention on OB.

Question 74

Which of the following statements is NOT an effective approach to disciplining employees?

A)Carrots can be more effective than sticks.
B)Unfair punishment may not change unwanted behavior.
C)No two employees or incidents are the same,so no two employee should be disciplined the same way.
D)Discipline is not the most effective way for changing behavior in the long term.

Question 75

Nejah is reading a report on employee justice perception.The article notes all of the following points EXCEPT

A)high levels of justice create higher levels of organizational citizenship.
B)high levels of justice create higher levels of employee commitment to the organization.
C)high levels of justice create higher levels of customer satisfaction.
D)high levels of justice lead to support of unionization.

Question 76

Research on procedural justice suggests

A)it is best to exclude employees from commenting on potential changes in company procedures like performance appraisals because they do not understand the decision-making process anyway.
B)it is best to unexpectedly announce department-wide layoffs because when employees suspect changes in their job status are upcoming,they tend to become much less productive.
C)it is best to be consistent in the manner in which employees are disciplined for violating company policy for situations like cell phone usage.
D)it is best to send an announcement of changes to the company benefit package for the next fiscal year without providing explanatory details because employees do not understand the financial implications anyway.

Question 77

Negative reinforcement

A)decreases the desired behavior.
B)decreases the frequency of negative behavior.
C)increases the desired behavior.
D)reduces the frequency of undesired behavior.

Question 78

Interactional justice is

A)the degree to which outcomes received from the organization are perceived to be fair.
B)the degree to which fair decision-making procedures are used to arrive at a decision.
C)the degree to which people are treated with respect,kindness and dignity in interpersonal interactions.
D)the belief that high levels of effort will lead to high performance.

Question 79

To influence instrumentality,managers can

A)ensure that environment facilitates performance.
B)give employees choice over rewards.
C)consistently reward high performers.
D)encourage people to believe their effort makes a difference.

Question 80

Which of the following statements is true about the manner in which managers can influence the perceptions of expectancy theory?

A)Individuals with an internal locus of control and high self-esteem believe there is little connection between their effort and performance so a great deal of feedback is needed to motivate them.
B)Regardless of the performance rating given on a performance evaluation,make certain that everyone gets a small raise annually.
C)Recognize good performance of individuals with cost effective items like coffee mugs and t-shirts.
D)Conduct employee surveys periodically to ascertain what they consider to be rewards for performance and integrate that in some manner into the performance evaluation program.