Deck 8: Motivation: From Concepts to Applications

Question 1

Anya is a graphic designer in a firm specializing in making logos for their clients. Last week, she got client specifications on how to make a new logo. She was able to create a prototype, and having got it initially reviewed by her immediate supervisor, she made changes until the client was satisfied with her final product. Based on this description, it's safe to say that Anya's job is high in ________ and ________.

A) task significance; feedback
B) autonomy; skill variety
C) feedback; skill variety
D) task identity; feedback
E) skill variety; autonomy

Answer 1

D

Question 2

With reference to the job characteristics model, which of the following defines task identity?

A) the degree to which a job requires completion of a whole and identifiable piece of work
B) the degree to which work activities generates direct and clear information about performance
C) the degree to which a job provides the worker freedom in scheduling and procedure
D) the degree to which a job has an impact on the lives or work of other people
E) the degree to which a job requires a variety of different activities

Answer 2

A

Question 3

Increasingly, research on motivation focuses on approaches that link motivational concepts to changes in the way ________ is/are structured.

A) organizational design
B) payment
C) work
D) benefits
E) organizational culture

Answer 3

C

Question 4

The theory of job design suggests that the way elements in a job are organized can influence employee ________.

A) job satisfaction
B) citizenship behaviors
C) effort
D) ethics
E) motivation

Question 5

Which of the following is not one of the core job dimensions in the job characteristics model (JCM)?

A) task significance
B) feedback
C) autonomy
D) reward
E) skill variety

Question 6

According to the job characteristics model, ________ indicates the degree to which carrying out work activities generates direct and clear information about your own performance.

A) task significance
B) autonomy
C) feedback
D) task identity
E) skill variety

Question 7

According to the job characteristics model, task significance is the degree to which ________.

A) a job requires completion of a whole and identifiable piece of work
B) work activities generates direct and clear information about performance
C) a job provides the worker freedom in scheduling and procedure
D) a job affects the lives or work of other people
E) a job requires a variety of different activities

Question 8

Ned is particularly adept at designing and creating new fashions. In which of the following would Ned have the highest level of task identity?

A) doing alterations at the dry cleaners
B) creating custom bridal gowns in a bridal store
C) creating custom gowns and suits for a pageant
D) working as a private tailor for a local real estate agent
E) working as a stylist for a local celebrity

Question 9

With reference to the job characteristics model, which of the following defines skill variety?

A) the degree to which a job requires completion of a whole and identifiable piece of work
B) the degree to which work activities generates direct and clear information about performance
C) the degree to which a job provides the worker freedom in scheduling and procedure
D) the degree to which a job has an impact on the lives or work of other people
E) the degree to which a job requires a variety of different activities

Question 10

The job characteristics model describes any job in terms of five core job dimensions. Task significance is one of these five dimensions and it represents the degree to which a job requires completion of a whole and identifiable piece of work.

Question 11

The job characteristics model describes any job in terms of five core job dimensions. Feedback is one of these five dimensions and it represents the degree to which carrying out work activities generates direct and clear information about your own performance.

Question 12

Samantha is an emergency medical technician. Yesterday, due to an emergency, she was called to a house where a man suffered a heart attack. She was able to resuscitate the man, and while her colleagues were transporting him to the ambulance she spent 10 minutes calming the 12-year-old daughter, who was home alone with the father at that time. Based on this description, it's safe to say that Samantha's job is high in ________.

A) task identity
B) feedback
C) reward
D) task significance
E) skill variety

Question 13

Ned is particularly adept at designing and creating new fashions. In which of the following would Ned have the highest level of autonomy?

A) doing alterations at the dry cleaners
B) creating custom bridal gowns in a bridal store
C) creating custom gowns and suits for a pageant
D) working as a private tailor for a local real estate agent
E) working as a stylist for a local celebrity

Question 14

In the job characteristics model (JCM), which three core job dimensions combine to create meaningful work?

A) autonomy, task identity, and feedback
B) skill variety, autonomy, and task significance
C) skill variety, autonomy, and feedback
D) feedback, task identity, and task significance
E) skill variety, task identity, and task significance

Question 15

Ned is particularly adept at designing and creating new fashions. In which of the following would Ned have the highest level of skill variety?

A) doing alterations at the dry cleaners
B) creating custom bridal gowns in a bridal store
C) creating custom gowns and suits for a pageant
D) working as a private tailor for a local real estate agent
E) working as a stylist for a local celebrity

Question 16

According to the job characteristics model, autonomy is defined as the degree to which ________.

A) a job requires completion of a whole and identifiable piece of work
B) work activities generates direct and clear information about performance
C) a job provides the worker freedom in scheduling the work
D) a job has an impact on the lives or work of other people
E) a job requires a variety of different activities

Question 17

The job characteristics model describes any job in terms of five core job dimensions and these five dimensions are skill variety, task significance, autonomy, reward, and feedback.

Question 18

Research studies suggest that employee experience of meaningfulness, responsibility, and knowledge of results is the same regardless of whether the team is working together face-to-face or within a virtual environment.

Question 19

In thinking about the Motivating Potential Score (MPS), if jobs score high on motivating potential, the model predicts that motivation, performance, and satisfaction will improve, while ________ and ________ will be reduced.

A) counterproductive work behaviors; gossip
B) gossip; recidivism
C) recidivism; absence
D) absence; turnover
E) turnover; counterproductive work behaviors

Question 20

John is a design manager for a production company. He independently assigns teams, chooses projects, researches trends, and is able to work from home two to three days a week. He provides a status report to the design director once a month. Based on this description and as per the job characteristics model, it's safe to say that John's job is high in ________.

A) task identity
B) feedback
C) autonomy
D) task significance
E) skill variety

Question 21

Managers at Precision Technologies, a custom-machine shop in Indiana, train workers on all the company's equipment so they can move around as needed in response to incoming orders. Based on this information, which of the following methods is most likely being used by Precision Technologies?

A) job rotation
B) job enlargement
C) job enrichment
D) job sharing
E) flextime

Question 22

The job characteristics model describes five dimensions of a job. A job can be enriched by modifying one or more of these five dimensions. Which of the following methods of job enrichment involves modifying task identity and task significance dimensions of a job?

A) combining tasks
B) forming natural work units
C) establishing client relationships
D) expanding jobs vertically
E) opening feedback channels

Question 23

Beyond redesigning the nature of the work itself and involving employees in decisions, another approach to making the work environment more motivating is to alter work arrangements. Which of the following is designed to give an employee greater control of their schedule?

A) flextime
B) job centralization
C) job rotation
D) job enlargement
E) job enrichment

Question 24

What is the main strength of job rotation?

A) It eliminates management involvement.
B) It increases motivation.
C) It increases productivity.
D) It decreases training costs.
E) It decreases supervisor work load.

Question 25

You notice that members of the janitorial staff are low skilled and are suffering from overroutinization of their work. They are most likely to be motivated by ________.

A) employee stock options
B) skill-based pay plan
C) job rotation
D) merit-based pay plans
E) gainsharing

Question 26

The periodic shifting of an employee from one task to another with similar skill requirements at the same organizational level is called job ________.

A) enlargement
B) expansion
C) rotation
D) sharing
E) enrichment

Question 27

Job sharing expands jobs by increasing the degree to which the worker controls the planning, execution, and evaluation of the work.

Question 28

In most cases, corporate social responsibility and relational job design function in the same manner.

Question 29

Job ________ expands jobs by increasing the degree to which the worker controls the planning, execution, and evaluation of the work.

A) sharing
B) enrichment
C) centralization
D) enlargement
E) rotation

Question 30

Job rotation tends to increase productivity and decrease supervisory workload.

Question 31

Singapore Airlines is rated one of the best airlines in the world and often requires ticket agents to serve as baggage handlers. What is the logic behind this action?

A) Ticket agents often have attitude problems and need to be "punished."
B) Ticket agents often have stressful jobs and need a break.
C) Ticket agents often deal with luggage and so cross-training makes them more efficient.
D) Baggage handlers in Singapore often go on strike and replacements are needed.
E) There is no logical reason for this action.

Question 32

What is another term for cross-training?

A) work enrichment
B) job sharing
C) work enlargement
D) job enhancement
E) job rotation

Question 33

Which of the following statements is true regarding job rotation?

A) It decreases the flexibility with which an organization can adapt to a change.
B) It decreases employee motivation.
C) It decreases productivity.
D) It decreases supervisory workload.
E) It decreases the flexibility in scheduling work.

Question 34

Shawna works as a sales agent at a local big box electronics retailer in the camera department. Though she has been successful in her position, she has grown a bit tired and is suffering from overroutinization. Which of the following would be the best opportunity for job rotation for Shawna?

A) moving to sales in the computer department
B) moving to customer service
C) moving to human resources
D) moving to assistant manager
E) moving to a new store

Question 35

Job enlargement is also called cross-training.

Question 36

Andrew is a software tester. He runs through the same types of programs day after day looking for bugs and reporting them. He is taking night classes on programming. Often, he knows the best solution to many of the bugs, but he is still learning to code. Describe two job characteristics that Andrew is striving to improve, and explain two ways that Andrew's manager can redesign his current job to help him reach his goals.

Question 37

The evidence on job enrichment shows it ________.

A) reduces absenteeism
B) increases supervisory workload
C) reduces satisfaction
D) increases turnover cost
E) reduces employee motivation

Question 38

What is job enrichment? Describe various methods of job enrichment that are based on the job characteristics model.

Question 39

Job enrichment increases the degree to which the worker controls the ________.

A) planning, execution, and evaluation of the work
B) planning, execution, and evaluation of company plans
C) horizontal integration of his or her tasks
D) evaluation of his or her peers
E) feedback that a worker receives from his or her supervisor and peers

Question 40

What is job rotation? What are the various advantages and disadvantages of job rotation?

Question 41

Job rotation allows two or more individuals to split a traditional 40-hour-a-week job.

Question 42

Which of the following is the major drawback of job sharing from management's perspective?

A) increase in supervisory workload
B) increased costs for providing supporting infrastructure (such as desk and computer) to two employees instead of one
C) difficulty in finding compatible partners
D) difficulty in designing the reward structure
E) difficulty in coordinating schedules

Question 43

An arrangement that allows two or more individuals to split a traditional 40-hour-a-week job is called ________.

A) flextime
B) job sharing
C) job rotation
D) telecommuting
E) job enrichment

Question 44

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of flextime.

Question 45

Almost every country in Western Europe requires companies to practice ________, called "the most widely legislated form of employee involvement around the world."

A) participative management
B) corporate restructuring
C) representative participation
D) management by objectives
E) organizational reengineering

Question 46

Which of the following is not a management benefit of telecommuting?

A) larger labor pool for recruitment
B) higher productivity of employees
C) decreased office expenditures
D) improved morale in general
E) decreased salary expenses

Question 47

While flextime has been shown to increase an organization's overall profitability, under which circumstance does this effect only seem to occur?

A) when flextime is promoted for the overall good of the company
B) when flextime is offered only to those who make lower wages
C) when flextime is promoted as a work-life balance strategy
D) when flextime is make a general scheduling option
E) when flextime is offered only seasonally and not year round

Question 48

The two major forms of employee involvement are participative management and ________.

A) organizational restructuring
B) job sharing
C) representative participation
D) job rotation
E) job enlargement

Question 49

For management, the major downside of telecommuting is ________.

A) decreased productivity
B) increased turnover
C) reduced morale
D) difficulty in scheduling work
E) less direct supervision of employees

Question 50

Which of the following is a job that does not lend itself to telecommuting?

A) an attorney who spends most of her time researching on the computer
B) a copywriter for an advertising firm
C) a car salesman who demonstrates the features of a new model of car
D) a telemarketer who uses the phone to contact clients
E) a product support specialist who handles queries sent by customers

Question 51

Which of the following statements is true regarding job sharing?

A) It expands jobs by increasing the degree to which the worker controls the planning, execution, and evaluation of the work.
B) It is also called cross-training.
C) It allows two or more individuals to split a traditional 40-hour-a-week job.
D) It involves periodic shifting of an employee from one task to another with similar skill requirements at the same organizational level.
E) Job sharing is a method of job enrichment.

Question 52

Lavon has been feeling dissatisfied with his position of late. Particularly, he feels that he is underutilized. According to motivation theories, what should Lavon's supervisor do?

A) fire him
B) promote him
C) include him in revising his job description
D) mentor him to use his time better
E) appoint him to numerous committees

Question 53

Which of the following is the distinct characteristic common to all participative management programs?

A) joint decision making
B) autonomy
C) commitment
D) productivity enhancement
E) quality improvement

Question 54

You are looking at flextime and realize that it will probably work least well for which of the following jobs?

A) insurance billers
B) custodial workers
C) receptionist
D) equipment maintenance staff
E) IT personnel

Question 55

Janice and Shunil are both senior software analysts. They have worked together on projects for six years and get along great. Janice is pregnant and anticipating the arrival of her first child and she is not willing to work full time. Shunil would like to experiment with opening his own business as a home media installation consultant, and does not want to continue to work full time. They both need some income. Which of the following alternative job structures would be best for Janice and Shunil?

A) job enlargement
B) telecommuting
C) job rotation
D) job sharing
E) job enrichment

Question 56

A positive relationship exists between telecommuting and supervisor performance ratings.

Question 57

Flextime tends to reduce absenteeism and frequently improves worker productivity.

Question 58

Participative management is a method of management where ________.

A) representatives of workers form work councils and these councils must be consulted when management makes decisions about employees
B) few representatives of workers sit on a company's board of directors
C) subordinates share a significant degree of decision-making power with their immediate superiors
D) low-level workers meet occasionally with the CEO to discuss problems within their department
E) low-level workers are responsible for making corporate policy decisions

Question 59

Jason works at home at least 2 days a week on a computer linked to his employer's office. He goes to work at odd hours and returns as he pleases. Which of the following terms accurately represents Jason's work arrangement?

A) autonomy
B) job sharing
C) flextime
D) telecommuting
E) task identity

Question 60

________ is a participative process that uses employees' input to increase their commitment to the organization's success.

A) Job enrichment
B) Employee involvement
C) Organizational reengineering
D) Corporate restructuring
E) Job sharing

Question 61

Amalgamated Industries manufactures parts for furniture. Management has decided to change the method of payment to a skill-based pay plan. You are interested in increasing your current compensation and see this as an opportunity. You should expect to earn more if you ________.

A) volunteer for overtime
B) increase your production
C) cross-train in other jobs
D) become a specialist
E) improve the quality of your work

Question 62

What is representative participation? Discuss its influence on workers.

Question 63

________ plays a role in the motivational success of a variable-pay plans.

A) Work-life balance
B) Secrecy
C) Team work
D) Amount
E) Effort

Question 64

Which of the following statements is true regarding gainsharing?

A) Gainsharing focuses on productivity gains rather than profits.
B) Gainsharing involves paying employees based on the number of new skills acquired by them in a specific time period.
C) Gainsharing does not distribute profits, only gains in profits.
D) Employees working under gainsharing plans have a greater feeling of psychological ownership.
E) Gain sharing encourages social loafing.

Question 65

The ________ pay plan has long been popular as a means of compensating production workers by paying a fixed sum for each unit of production completed.

A) competency-based
B) gainsharing
C) piece-rate
D) profit sharing
E) merit-based

Question 66

While setting pay levels initially, an organization has to balance internal equity and external equity. Here external equity indicates ________.

A) the amount of growth opportunities the job provides to the employee
B) the worth of the job to the employee
C) the worth of the job to the organization
D) competitiveness of an organization's pay relative to pay elsewhere in its industry
E) the amount of job satisfaction the job provides to the employee

Question 67

Which of the following statements is true regarding participative management?

A) Participative management typically has only a modest influence on variables such as employee productivity and motivation.
B) The two most common forms are works councils and board representatives.
C) It is called "the most widely legislated form of employee involvement around the world."
D) Research evidence on participative management indicates that it is a sure means for improving employee performance.
E) Participative management involves few representatives of workers sitting on the company's board of directors.

Question 68

Patrick and Allison work at a local car dealership as sales persons and are paid on both salary and commission. What type of pay related motivation is being used?

A) variable-pay program
B) internal equity
C) external equity
D) skill-based plan
E) flexible benefits

Question 69

What is an advantage of bonuses over a merit-based pay plan?

A) Employees don't view bonuses as a part of their salary.
B) Bonuses improve flexibility of the workforce.
C) Bonuses are paid based on a formula.
D) Bonuses improve performance of the group as a whole.
E) Employees are rewarded for recent performance.

Question 70

What is employee involvement and why is it important? What are the two major forms of employee involvement?

Question 71

Which of the following is an example of a piece-rate plan?

A) $20 for each hour of work
B) $2 for each unit produced
C) productivity bonus
D) commission
E) paying employees based on number of skills

Question 72

The two most common forms of representative participation are ________ and board representatives.

A) quality circles
B) work councils
C) employee unions
D) task teams
E) self-regulatory organization

Question 73

Which of the following terms best describes employees who sit on a company's board of directors and represent the interests of the firm's employees?

A) board representatives
B) works councils
C) quality circles
D) union representatives
E) board leaders

Question 74

A ________ pay plan pays for individual performance based on performance appraisal ratings.

A) piece-rate
B) merit-based
C) skill-based
D) profit sharing
E) competency-based

Question 75

Explain how participative management can enhance skill variety, task identity, and autonomy as described in the Job Characteristics Model (JCM).

Question 76

________ is a formula-based group incentive plan that uses improvements in group productivity from one period to another to determine the total amount of money allocated.

A) An employee stock ownership plan
B) Gainsharing
C) Profit sharing
D) A piece-rate pay plan
E) A merit-based pay plan

Question 77

Vance and Jared were both recently hired to be program directors at an urban university. Vance attended a large, historic university while Jared attended a branch campus of a regional university. Jared is paid 15 percent more than Vance. The best explanation for this is ________.

A) Jared is a better negotiator
B) Vance did not do well in school
C) Jared's position is worth more to the university
D) Vance's position is not important to the university
E) the institution is not competitive within the industry

Question 78

If one is interested in changing employee attitudes or in improving organizational performance, representative participation would be a good choice.

Question 79

The key to a successful bonus plan is that the reward needs to be ________.

A) tied to a recent performance
B) tied to a specific amount of deliverables
C) equal across everyone in the department
D) made very public
E) cumulative in nature

Question 80

The two most common forms of participative management are works councils and board representatives.