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.
- 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.