QUESTION In reinforcement theory, what two processes are used to decrease an employee’s undesirable behavior? What will be an ideal response? ANSWER Answer: In extinction, positive rewards are withheld or withdrawn in response to an employee’s undesirable behavior. In punishment, negative consequences are applied in response to the undesirable behavior. Explanation: In extinction, positive […]
QUESTION A manager objects to the company’s efforts at improving job satisfaction on the grounds that sophisticated employees cannot be made to feel more satisfied when their jobs have not changed. Which of the following identifies an error in the manager’s reasoning? A) It fails to consider the possibility that the people who designed the […]
QUESTION How does Ouchi’s Theory Z relate to the Theory X and Theory Y motivational theories? What will be an ideal response? ANSWER Answer: Theory Z has no relation to Theory X and Theory Y. Theory Z is a blend of Japanese and American approaches to managing and motivating employees. Explanation: Theory Z has […]
QUESTION A manager criticizes the Excellence Club because she believes that it encourages negative behavior that otherwise would not happen. She believes instead that business developers should be rewarded based on the revenue they bring in. Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports this conclusion? A) Business developers often pursue deals that generate […]
QUESTION Ron’s manager offered him tickets to the theater if he worked the weekend to finish a proposal. Following Vroom’s expectancy theory, Ron quickly did two assessments (expectancy and instrumentality) and is still motivated. What assessment and companion question must Ron ask to determine his final motivation? What will be an ideal response? ANSWER […]
QUESTION Suppose that Oak Meteors institutes a Super Bonus program that provides a large cash award for the business developer with the greatest year-to-year increase in revenue. A manager claims that this would encourage business developers to do poorly in one year in order to make it easier to do much better in the subsequent […]
QUESTION Praise can be considered a form of reward for good performance in the workplace. This dynamic reflects which motivational theory? A) Theory Z B) management by objectives C) reinforcement theory D) expectancy theory E) job enrichment ANSWER Answer: C Explanation: C) Under reinforcement theory, behavior with positive consequences tends to be repeated. Offering […]
QUESTION There are many ways to motivate employees that do not involve giving them additional money. Still, nonmonetary strategies can incur costs for an organization. Which of the following would be most costly for a business? A) being nice B) giving praise C) arranging job shadowing D) providing onsite childcare E) listening to employee ideas […]
QUESTION The primary purpose of business is to earn a profit. Is the field of business intrinsically motivated or extrinsically motivated? What will be an ideal response? ANSWER Answer: Profit is an external reward, so business is extrinsically motivated. Explanation: Because profit is an external reward, by its core definition, the field of business […]
QUESTION What type of acknowledgment is most effective in motivating young employees? A) engraved plaques and certificates B) team award trips C) verbal praise and guidance D) mass e-mail praise E) additional paid time off ANSWER Answer: C Explanation: C) Offering guidance and mentoring—telling people they are on the right track—can be more effective […]
