Motivation Strategies

Motivational Strategies

Methods of motivation that go beyond money but instead meet the individual needs and ambitions of the employees

5 Types of Motivational Strategies

- Performance Related Pay
- Career Advancement
- Investment in Training
- Support Strategies
- Sanction Strategies

Performance related pay

The monetary compensation provided to employees relative to their performance, assessed according to set standards

Performance related pay examples

- Pay rises
- Bonuses
- Gainsharing (Giving money to employees for suggesting improvements to productivity)
- Commission

Performance related pay Impact on motivation (Short and Long Term)

Short Term

- Initial impact but wears off reasonably quickly

Long Term

- Only a long term impact if the payments are ongoing

What Motivational theories does Performance related pay relate to

Maslow: Esteem and Physiological needs

The Four Drives: Drive to acquire

Performance related pay Advantages

- Will only apply when employees actual performance is improved
- There is an immediate boost to motivation

Performance related pay Disadvantages

- Motivation lessens as time goes on
- Other employees may expect similar rewards and thus lower morale

Career Advancement

The assignment of more responsibilities/authority to employees or the promotion of employees to higher positions

Career Advancement impact on motivation (Short and Long Term)

Short Term

- Immediate boost to self esteem

Long Term

- Improves loyalty, Self-actualisation

What Motivational Theories do Career Advancement Relate to

Maslow's: Security needs, Esteem needs, Self-Actualisation

Four Drives: Drive to acquire, Drive to Learn

Career Advancement Advantages

- Retains valuable employees
- Promoted employees feel like they can contribute more, improving productivity

Career Advancement Disadvantages

- Promotion positions must have a purpose
- Promotion can cause resentment and competition among other employees

Investment in Training

The direction of finance or resources such as time, into the teaching of skills to employees

Investment in Trainings impact on motivation (Short and Long Term

Short Term

- Increases commitment and loyalty

- Creates a feeling that the business cares about development

Long Term

- Improved skills can heighten esteem

- Trained staff can meet more business objectives

What Motivational Theories do Investment in Training relate to

Maslow: Esteem need, Self Actualisation need

Goal Setting: Challaning, Clear

Four Drives: Drive to acquire, Drive to comprehend

Investment in Training Advantages

- Improved loyalty from greater job security
- Improve the productivity of employees due to them being more skilled

Investment in Training Disadvantages

- Training may be wasted unless there are sufficient jobs
- Employee may eventually leave wasting the cost of their training

Support Strategies

The assistance or services provided by the business to help employees cope with difficulties that may impede work performance

Types of Support Strategies

- Mentoring
- Counciling

Support Strategies impact on motivation (Short and Long Term)

Short Term

- Help Resolves employee issues

- Can resolve problems employees face

Long Term

- Improve employee loyalty and build positive relationships

What Motivational Theories relate to support strategies

Maslow's: Social needs, Security needs

Four Drives: The Drive to bond

Support Strategies Advantages

- Provided with little to no cost
- Support can develop positive relationships between employees and management

Support Strategies Disadvantages

- May be difficult to support all employees
- Employees may be dependent on support services

Sanction Strategies

A form of penalty or discipline imposed on an employer for poor performance of harmful behaviour

Types of Sanctions

- Loss of benefits
- Written or Verbal warning
- Demotion

Sanctions impact on motivation (Short and Long Term)

Short Term

- Reflection and assessment of performance

- Adjust behaviour and attitudes

Long Term

- Unless there is a constant threat there is no long term impact

What Motivational Theories relate to Sanctions

Maslow's: Security needs

Four Drives: Drive to Defend

Sanctions Advantages

- Can motivate employees to improve performance
- May quickly stop inappropriate or harmful behaviour

Sanction Disadvantages

- Can reduce a sense of belonging and can lower motivation
- Only motivates in the short term