Motivating Employees: Content, Process, Job Design & Reinforcement Theories

What is motivation?

the psychological processes that arouse and direct goal-oriented behavior

Why is motivation important in the workplace?

Motivation is crucial for achieving superior performance and accomplishing goals.

What are the four major perspectives on motivation?

Content, Process, Job Design, and Reinforcement.

What does Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory propose?

It proposes five levels of needs that motivate individuals, from basic physiological needs to self-actualization.

What are the three needs in McClelland's Acquired Needs Theory?

Need for achievement, Need for affiliation, and Need for power.

What does Deci and Ryan's Self-Determination Theory emphasize?

It emphasizes the importance of competence, autonomy, and relatedness in motivating individuals.

What are the two factors in Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory?

Dissatisfying factors (hygiene factors) and satisfying factors (motivators).

What is Equity/Justice Theory?

It assesses how fairly individuals feel they are being treated in relation to others.

What are the three elements of Expectancy Theory?

Expectancy, Instrumentality, and Valence.

What does Goal-Setting Theory suggest?

Objectives should be specific, challenging, and achievable (SMART goals).

What is job enlargement?

Adding more tasks and/or variety to a job.

What is job enrichment?

Adding more responsibility and motivating factors to a job.

What are the four types of behavior modification?

Positive reinforcement, Negative reinforcement, Extinction, and Punishment.

What is positive reinforcement?

A strategy that strengthens behavior by providing a reward.

What is negative reinforcement?

A strategy that strengthens behavior by removing an unpleasant stimulus.

What is extinction in behavior modification?

A strategy that weakens behavior by removing the reinforcement.

What is punishment in behavior modification?

A strategy that weakens behavior by introducing an unpleasant consequence.

How can you differentiate between negative reinforcement and punishment?

Negative reinforcement strengthens behavior by removing a negative condition, while punishment weakens behavior by adding a negative consequence.

What is the role of job design in employee motivation?

Job design can enhance motivation by aligning job characteristics with employee needs and preferences.

What is the relationship between motivation and performance?

Higher motivation typically leads to improved performance and goal achievement.