chapter 10-8

Personalizing Motivation

Learning Objective 10-8

  • Managers personalize motivation strategies to appeal to employees globally and across different generations.

General Principles of Motivation

  • Personalization is Key: Managers must avoid using a one-size-fits-all motivational formula. They should develop personal relationships to customize motivational strategies for each employee.
  • Cultural Considerations: Increasing globalization means managers interact with diverse cultural backgrounds, necessitating an understanding of differing motivational strategies.

Motivating Employees across the Globe

Cultural Influences on Motivation

  • Cultural Variations:
    • Different cultures perceive motivation differently, hence managers need to study cultural factors in designing reward systems.
  • High-context vs Low-context Cultures:
    • High-context Culture: Example countries include Korea, Italy, and Saudi Arabia; these cultures emphasize personal relationships and group trust before task orientation.
    • Low-context Culture: Example country includes the U.S.; relationships are often viewed as distractions from task completion.

Case Study: The Hershey Company

  • Recognition Program:
    • Hershey employs about 21,000 employees in 17 countries and faces challenges like language and currency variances.
    • SMILES Program: Developed by Workhuman to adapt to cultural preferences, tax laws, and local living standards. Points can be redeemed for various products and gift cards based on the employee's location.
    • Effectiveness: In its first week, nearly 9% of the company received recognition for their work, with some being recognized for the first time.
  • Challenges: Building culturally aware and flexible global teams is crucial for managing diverse workforces.

Motivating Employees across Generations

Overview of Generational Groups

  • Generational Breakdown:
    • Baby Boomers: Born between 1946 - 1964.
    • Generation X: Born between 1965 - 1980.
    • Generation Y (Millennials): Born between 1980 - 1995.
    • Generation Z: Born between 1995 - 2009.
    • Generation Alpha: Born after 2010.
  • Influence of Formative Experiences: Each generation's values and perspectives on risk, challenge, authority, technology, relationships, and economics are shaped by their childhood experiences.
Generational Characteristics
  • Baby Boomers: Grew up during economic prosperity and tend to have secure-job mentalities.
  • Generation X: Raised in dual-career families, leading to a sense of job insecurity from early caregiver layoffs. Generally more skeptical of authority and established norms.
  • Millennials: Often lack familiarity with life without technology. Focus on work-life balance and prioritize stimulating environments.
  • Generation Z: Aware of economic turmoil and inclined to seek practical benefits; display resilience and pragmatism in the face of challenges.

Implications for Motivation

  • Flexibility: Boomers must adapt their management style to retain younger employees, emphasizing flexibility.
  • Career Security vs Job Security: Gen Xers focus on career security and may frequently change jobs for better opportunities.
  • Results-Oriented Management: Gen X managers typically emphasize results over hours worked, fostering a collaborative environment.

Feedback Preferences

  • Need for Regular Feedback: Younger generations, especially Gen Z and Millennials, expect regular performance reviews instead of annual evaluations.
    • Positive feedback is crucial, as recent hires often feel frustrated without it.

Characteristics and Challenges of Millennials

  • Workforce Representation: Millennials now represent over 35% of the U.S. workforce; they show impatience, skepticism, and emphasis on fun in work environments.
  • Job Market Journey: Due to economic conditions, Millennials delayed job entry, leading to unique employment challenges.
  • Leadership Dynamics: As Millennials rise to leadership roles, they will lead older generations. They should focus on confidence, open-mindedness, and soliciting feedback.

Generation Z in the Workforce

  • Emerging Trends: Gen Z brings new dynamics to a generationally diverse workplace. They value security and practical benefits and are less likely to switch jobs frequently compared to Millennials.
  • Communication Preferences:
    • Boomers: Prefer meetings or calls.
    • Gen Xers: Favor email over face-to-face interactions.
    • Millennials: Communicate primarily through technology.
    • Gen Z: Return to face-to-face communications, avoiding phone calls.

Overall Motivation Strategies

  • Generational Perception: Every generation has its own view of the following generation, often criticizing their approach and values.
  • Core Motivation Principle: Motivation should primarily stem from the job itself, rather than reliance on external rewards. Managers must equip workers with the necessary resources to excel on the job.
  • Simple Acknowledgment: Frequent acknowledgment of achievements can serve as a strong motivational tool, with a simple, sincere thank-you being very effective.