Deck 11: Motivating Employees

Question 1

A group of management consultants is studying Lennox Petrochemical Inc., and its team management strategy. After Shannon Ewing's work group was selected for special attention by the management consultants, the work group's production output nearly doubled. Ewing's group's reaction to the special attention is an example of which of the following?

A) the reinforcement theory
B) Theory Y
C) Theory X
D) the Hawthorne effect

Answer 1

D

Question 2

The original Hawthorne studies were set up to study which of the following?

A) testing used in the selection of employees
B) employee incentives
C) employee breaks
D) lighting

Answer 2

D

Question 3

According to Frederick Taylor's scientific management theory, what is the most important motivator in the workplace?

A) money
B) good communication
C) shorter hours
D) responsibility

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Which theorist proposed a theory of motivation based on universal human needs?

A) Frederick Taylor
B) Elton Mayo
C) Abraham Maslow
D) Frederick Herzberg

Question 5

Frederick Taylor's scientific management emphasized which of the following concepts?

A) work efficiency
B) technology
C) policies, procedures, rules, and regulations
D) worker morale

Question 6

Frederick Taylor's scientific management had four basic principles. Which of the following is one of those principles?

A) scientifically select, train, teach, and develop workers
B) analyze every task into 30-second intervals
C) managers should evaluate employees on efficiency
D) workers have to minimize movement to maximize productivity

Question 7

According to the Hawthorne effect, which of the following occurs?

A) Good leadership is the key to motivation.
B) Workers respond to being paid attention to.
C) Responsibility motivates workers.
D) Workers respond to money.

Question 8

An employee who was more worried about having a safe work environment and a financially sound pension plan than anything else would be most concerned with which of the following needs in Maslow's hierarchy of needs?

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

Question 9

Frederick Taylor's scientific management theory has one fundamental flaw. Which of the following best describes that flaw?

A) It doesn't take in too consideration changes in technology.
B) It was developed a long time ago and doesn't apply to today.
C) It assumes all people are primarily motivated by economic factors.
D) It is too scientific, doesn't consider human factors.

Question 10

What are things such as pay raises, bonuses, promotions, and prestigious assignments that are valued by the individual?

A) Intrinsic rewards
B) Incentives
C) Motivators
D) Extrinsic rewards

Question 11

Which of the following would be evident in a manufacturing company in which industrial engineers have maximized efficiency by determining the best way to perform every task from tightening a bolt to operating a forklift?

A) scientific management
B) equity theory
C) the Hawthorne effect
D) expectancy theory

Question 12

According to Maslow, people need to feel secure, to be protected from physical harm, and to avoid the unexpected. What are these needs called?

A) psychological needs
B) belonging needs
C) self-actualization needs
D) safety needs

Question 13

Which of the following theories suggests that workers respond to attention from superiors, and workers like their opinions to be valued?

A) the Hawthorne effect
B) the equity theory
C) Theory X
D) scientific management

Question 14

In Maslow's theory, the need to belong to informal groups both on and off the job is an example of which of the following needs?

A) security needs
B) physiological needs
C) social needs
D) esteem needs

Question 15

What is the set of forces that that prompt a person to release energy in a certain direction?

A) work
B) motivation
C) drive
D) desire

Question 16

According to the Hawthorne studies, informal work groups (the social relationships of employees) result in which of the following?

A) decrease in group productivity
B) improvement in group productivity
C) no change in group productivity
D) improved employee morale

Question 17

Which of the following statements best describes Maslow's hierarchy of needs?

A) Maslow's hierarchy of needs has not influenced motivational theory.
B) Physiological, safety, and belonging needs are all physical needs.
C) Because the hierarchy of needs focuses on universal human needs, it has no critics.
D) Maslow claimed an upper level of need was not activated until a lower level of need was satisfied.

Question 18

Who was the father of scientific management?

A) Elton Mayo
B) Abraham Maslow
C) Adam Smith
D) Frederick Taylor

Question 19

What are things such as satisfaction, contentment, a sense of accomplishment, confidence, and pride that are part of the job and valued by the individual?

A) motivators
B) extrinsic rewards
C) intrinsic rewards
D) internal compensation

Question 20

What was Elton Mayo, North America's first industrial psychologist, responsible for formulating?

A) the principles of scientific management
B) Theory X and Theory Y
C) the explanation of the Hawthorne effect
D) the motivational-maintenance theory

Question 21

What does the Theory Z style of management emphasize?

A) long-term employment
B) extensive specialization
C) fast career development
D) very formal control over employees

Question 22

According to Theory Y, workers behave in which of the following ways?

A) They seek out responsibility
B) They are internally motivated.
C) They like some facets of their work.
D) They are driven by financial goals.

Question 23

Which of the following statements best describes Theory Z style of management?

A) According to Theory Z, workers should be laid off whenever business is bad.
B) Theory Z contains many elements from Japanese management.
C) The Theory Z style of management does not reflect Canadian culture.
D) According to Theory Z, decision making should be done by the individual, not the group.

Question 24

Cindi Kastarian believes that she is the best nurse that she can be and is using her abilities to the utmost. According to Maslow's theory of need, Kastarian is motivated by which of the following needs?

A) esteem
B) psychological
C) self-actualization
D) physiological

Question 25

In Maslow's theory, the need for food, clothing, and shelter is an example of which of the following needs?

A) security needs
B) physiological needs
C) social needs
D) esteem needs

Question 26

Which of the following styles of management is based on a pessimistic view of human nature and assumes that the average person dislikes work, will try to avoid work, prefers to be directed, avoids responsibility, and wants security above all else?

A) Theory X
B) self-actualized
C) Theory Y
D) Theory Z

Question 27

Which theorist formulated a job-satisfier theory with motivation and maintenance factors as essential parts?

A) Frederick Taylor
B) Frederick Herzberg
C) Douglas McGregor
D) Abraham Maslow

Question 28

Some organizations are using snooping technology to monitor their workers to identify workers who are not performing optimally. The idea underlying this development is that workers dislike their work and intentionally avoid it. That idea is an assumption based on which of the following theories or concepts?

A) the Hawthorne effect
B) Theory Y
C) Theory X
D) Theory Z

Question 29

Wes Johnston overheard his manager say, "Work is as natural as play, and workers seek more job responsibility." This statement supports which of the following theories?

A) the hierarchy of needs
B) Theory Y assumptions
C) Theory X assumptions
D) Theory Z assumptions

Question 30

Safeway Stores has installed dashboard computers in its trucks to monitor delivery truck drivers as they work their routes. This mistrust of employees derives from belief in which of the following theories?

A) Theory Y style of management
B) Theory X style of management
C) Theory Z style of management
D) scientific management

Question 31

Mia Carson is a computer programmer who looks forward to the challenge of her job and has asked her boss for more responsibility. She is a willing problem solver and is easily motivated by positive incentives. Carson is operating in accordance with which of the following management styles?

A) Theory Y
B) scientific management
C) Theory Z
D) Theory X

Question 32

A Theory X manager would assume his or her workers are characterized by which of the following?

A) They want more delegation.
B) They want promotions, raises, and more responsibility.
C) They are very optimistic.
D) They are untrustworthy and lazy.

Question 33

Which theorist is responsible for identifying the Theory Z style of management?

A) William Ouchi
B) Douglas McGregor
C) Frederick Taylor
D) Frederick Herzberg

Question 34

What is the top level of Maslow's hierarchy of needs?

A) social needs
B) self-actualization needs
C) psychological needs
D) esteem needs

Question 35

Enthusiasm for Japanese management philosophy that centres around long-term relationships has done which of the following in the last few years?

A) increased
B) decreased
C) remained the same
D) come back into popularity

Question 36

What is one of the criticisms of Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory?

A) It doesn't account for differences across cultures.
B) It doesn't address money as a motivator.
C) There should be seven or eight levels.
D) It is outdated.

Question 37

Theories X and Y management styles are the result of studies by which theorist?

A) Douglas McGregor
B) Frederick Taylor
C) Frederick Herzberg
D) Elton Mayo

Question 38

To align Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory to research, what did Clayton Alderfer develop?

A) HDP theory
B) ERG theory
C) BRS theory
D) CWP theory

Question 39

According to Theory X, workers behave in which of the following ways?

A) They dislike every facet of their work.
B) They have a strong attachment to their work.
C) They enjoy the creative part of their work.
D) They like delegation and responsibility in their work.

Question 40

According to Theory Y, workers behave in which of the following ways?

A) They have a strong aversion to their work.
B) They especially abhor the creative part of their work.
C) They dislike every facet of their work.
D) They like self-direction and responsibility in their work.

Question 41

According to the text, which of the following is a valid criticism of Herzberg's motivator and hygiene theory?

A) It does not examine the relationship between productivity and satisfaction.
B) It ignores the impact of situational variables.
C) It cannot be used effectively by smaller companies.
D) It lacks hygiene factors that can lead to workers doing their best work.

Question 42

According to Herzberg, to keep a worker satisfied or motivated, what should a manager do?

A) change the supervisor
B) give the worker more vacation time
C) make the job more challenging
D) give longer lunch breaks

Question 43

The equity theory is concerned with which of the following factors?

A) rewards based on individual employee desires
B) how fairly a worker is treated compared to coworkers
C) how much compensation a worker will receive
D) the worker's concern with company ownership

Question 44

According to equity theory, if employees perceive that an inequity exists, which of the following is something that they would NOT do?

A) look at the situation from a different perspective
B) distort their perception of others
C) change their work habits
D) file a lawsuit against the company

Question 45

If you were advising someone about which motivational theory would be most likely to be successful in all cultures, which of the following motivation theories would you suggest?

A) equity theory
B) scientific management
C) Maslow's theory
D) expectancy theory

Question 46

Which of the following is the theory of motivation that that holds that the probability of an individual acting a particular way depends on how strongly that person believes the act will have a particular outcome, and on whether the person values that outcome?

A) expectancy theory
B) equity theory
C) goal-setting theory
D) two-factor theory

Question 47

According to Herzberg, which of the following factors must be present to prevent work dissatisfaction, but these factors cannot serve as a source of satisfaction or motivation?

A) job-controlled
B) demotivational
C) hygiene
D) job-elemental

Question 48

According to equity theory, if employees perceive that an inequity exists, which of the following might they do?

A) initiate a class action lawsuit
B) use selective behaviour
C) ask to be terminated
D) change their work habits

Question 49

In Herzberg's model, which of the following would be an example of a motivating factor?

A) salary
B) responsibility
C) fringe benefits
D) supervision

Question 50

Managers can use equity theory to do which of the following?

A) determine which employees would benefit from having a goal
B) improve worker satisfaction
C) match reward to performance for each individual employee
D) determine which employees are not working efficiently

Question 51

Based on the expectancy theory, managers who want to motivate their employees should do which of the following?

A) assume all employees want the same rewards
B) offer intermittent reinforcement
C) make sure all people have the same opportunity to receive rewards
D) determine the rewards valued by each employee

Question 52

In Herzberg's model, which of the following would be an example of a hygiene factor?

A) responsibility
B) supervision
C) promotion
D) recognition

Question 53

Based on the expectancy theory, managers who want to motivate their employees should do which of the following?

A) Determine what factors might counteract the effectiveness of a reward.
B) Determine the performance level of each employee.
C) Link rewards to effort.
D) Make sure the rewards are equal for all employees.

Question 54

Which of the following theories is based on the premise that an individual's intention to work toward something is a primary source of motivation?

A) goal setting
B) expectancy
C) equity
D) scientific management

Question 55

Which theory is concerned with workers' perception about how fairly they are treated compared with their coworkers?

A) theory of objectivity
B) expectancy theory
C) theory of equality
D) equity theory

Question 56

According to Herzberg, hygiene factors can lead to which of the following results?

A) self-actualization
B) motivation
C) potential job dissatisfaction
D) job satisfaction

Question 57

In Herzberg's theory, salary is an example of which of the following factors?

A) hygiene factor
B) self-actualizing factor
C) employee-controlled factor
D) motivating factor

Question 58

According to equity theory, if employees perceive that an inequity exists, which of the following is something that they might do?

A) reveal secrets to competitors
B) look at the situation from a different perspective
C) go to the press
D) file a lawsuit against the company

Question 59

According to expectancy theory, the probability of an individual acting a particular way depends on the strength of belief the individual has in which of the following?

A) that the act will have a particular outcome that he or she values
B) that supervisors treat their employees with equity
C) that the job responsibility is adequate
D) that the job is challenging

Question 60

Which theory states that employees are motivated by their chances for reward if they behave in a certain manner?

A) expectancy theory
B) estimation theory
C) equity theory
D) psychological theory

Question 61

Which of the following is the horizontal expansion of an employee's job?

A) job enrichment
B) job enlargement
C) job rotation
D) task generalization

Question 62

Companies that want to meet the diverse needs of their employees by offering work-scheduling options can use which of the following?

A) job enlargement
B) gain-sharing
C) job enrichment
D) flextime

Question 63

Which of the following is the expansion of the number of tasks and variety of tasks performed by a worker?

A) job enrichment
B) job upsizing
C) job enlargement
D) task rotation

Question 64

Anila Sudavarian works as a receptionist for a medical clinic from 8 a.m. until 12 noon five days a week. At noon, he is replaced by Louise Cho who works at the same job from noon until 4 p.m. Which of the following scheduling options is being used by Sudavarian and Cho?

A) job partnering
B) flextime
C) compressed workweek
D) job sharing

Question 65

Bill Nielsen works as a graphic designer. He arrives at work at 7 a.m. and goes home at 3 p.m. One of Nielsen's coworkers who performs the same job arrives at work at 9 a.m. and goes home at 6 p.m. Another coworker arrives at 9 a.m. and leaves work at 5 p.m. From this brief description, you should realize that Nielsen's employer uses which of the following strategies?

A) job enrichment
B) a compressed workweek
C) flextime
D) job rotation

Question 66

All the accounting personnel at a large construction company work nine-hour days Monday through Thursday and then get a three-day weekend. Which of the following does this construction company permit for its accounting department?

A) a compressed workweek
B) flextime
C) job enrichment
D) job rotation

Question 67

Which of the following means that a portion of an employee's pay is directly linked to an individual or organizational performance measure?

A) a fee for work
B) variable pay
C) performance-based pay
D) pay on commission

Question 68

They are logged in to their computer from home or anywhere else?

A) virtual job
B) telecommuting
C) cyberlinking
D) flextime

Question 69

Which of the following allows management to focus on achievable goals to realize the best possible results with the resources available?

A) management by objectives
B) expectancy theory
C) equity theory
D) scientific management

Question 70

Which of the following is the redesign of a job to provide workers with more authority, responsibility, and challenge, as well as the opportunity for more personal achievement?

A) task enlargement
B) task generalization
C) job integration
D) job enrichment

Question 71

Oscar Ramirez's job has been redesigned. He has more authority and responsibility and feels the job now is very challenging to him. What has the company used to challenge Ramirez?

A) job enrichment
B) job enlargement
C) job development
D) job rotation

Question 72

Which of the following statements best describes how culture influences motivation?

A) Most motivation theories apply in all cultures.
B) Social needs are not of equal importance in all cultures.
C) Expectancy theory is an example of a motivation theory that is applicable to all cultures-no matter what reward is offered.
D) Satisfiers and dissatisfiers are the same in all cultures.

Question 73

A company experimenting with flextime, telecommuting, and job sharing is interested in which of the following?

A) employee empowerment
B) work-scheduling options needed to retain quality employees
C) determining which team management technique is most effective given its situational variables
D) increasing job performance through effective management of time

Question 74

In many companies, workers are trained by assigning them to several different jobs over a period of time. What is this regular shifting of assignments called?

A) job expectancy
B) job enrichment
C) job integration
D) job rotation

Question 75

Which of the following is the vertical expansion of an employee's job?

A) job enlargement
B) job enrichment
C) task generalization
D) job upsizing

Question 76

Which of the following best describes goal-setting theory?

A) Specific goals lead to higher levels of performance than do more generalized goals.
B) Easy goals lead to better performance than do easy goals.
C) An individual's intention to work toward a goal is not a primary source of motivation.
D) Feedback on progress toward goals causes lower performance.

Question 77

Given the trend toward employee empowerment in the workplace, more and more employers are finding which of the following theories useful?

A) goal setting
B) expectancy
C) equity
D) scientific management

Question 78

Julia Li is a low-level manager for a manufacturer of collectible plates and figurines. She is assigned new jobs every few months so she can learn all aspects of her company's operations. Which of the following concepts is management utilizing?

A) job enrichment
B) job rotation
C) job enlargement
D) job development

Question 79

Which of the following statements best describes forms of variable pay?

A) Profit-sharing plans are also called piece-rate plans.
B) Stock options are a category of job-sharing pay plans.
C) Gain sharing is a motivational plan based on group productivity.
D) Profit-sharing plans are based on the concept that intrinsic rewards are more motivating than extrinsic rewards.

Question 80

According to B.F. Skinner's operant learning theory the idea behind reinforcement is that consequences influence which of the following?

A) motivation
B) behaviour
C) desire
D) outcomes