HRM 391 Test #1

What are Herzberg’s two factors that influence job satisfaction?

Motivators (achievement, recognition, growth) create satisfaction; hygiene factors (pay, conditions, policies) prevent dissatisfaction but don’t motivate.

What happens if hygiene factors are improved?

It only removes dissatisfaction; it doesn’t increase motivation. Real motivation comes from intrinsic motivators.

What three components form the basis of Expectancy Theory?

Motivation = Expectancy × Instrumentality × Valence.

How does locus of control affect motivation?

People with an internal locus believe they control outcomes and are more motivated; those with an external locus feel powerless and less motivated.

What determines motivation in Equity Theory?

People compare their input/output ratio to others’. Perceived inequity (feeling under- or over-rewarded) affects motivation and effort.

What are the three levels in ERG Theory?

Existence, Relatedness, Growth.
Unlike Maslow, people can move back and forth between levels (regression principle).

What is perception in organizational behavior?

The process of selecting, organizing, and interpreting information to form a meaningful understanding of the environment.

What are the three needs in McClelland’s Learned Needs Theory?

Need for Achievement (nAch), Need for Affiliation (nAff), and Need for Power (nPow) — learned from experience and culture.

What happens if someone’s dominant need isn’t met in McClelland’s theory?

Motivation drops; the unmet need causes frustration. People may shift focus to other needs but remain unsatisfied until the main need is fulfilled

What are the five levels of Maslow’s hierarchy (lowest to highest)?

Physiological → Safety → Social → Esteem → Self-Actualization.
Lower needs must be met before higher ones motivate.

What are the four key concepts in Operant Conditioning?

Positive reinforcement (reward), negative reinforcement (remove unpleasant), punishment (reduce behavior), extinction (ignore to stop behavior).

What three elements foster intrinsic motivation in SDT?

Autonomy (choice), Competence (capable), and Relatedness.
Intrinsic motivation (doing it because it’s fulfilling) is stronger than extrinsic rewards.

How does Equality Theory differ from Equity Theory?

Equality Theory focuses on equal treatment and opportunities, while Equity Theory focuses on fairness of input/output ratios between people.

6 human needs

1. Certainty

2. Uncertainty

3. Significance

4. Connection/love

5. Growth

6. Contribution