Module 9: Motivating Employees

This chapter details motivational theory, both historically and currently, and applies that theory to the business world, where motivation, whether in the form of a rock band or not, is a key to success.

People can be a firm’s most important resource. They can also be the most challenging resource to manage well. Employees who are motivated and work hard to achieve personal and organizational goals can become a crucial competitive advantage for a firm. The key then is understanding the process of motivation, what motivates individuals, and how an organization can create a workplace that allows people to perform to the best of their abilities.

1. Identify the basic principles of Frederick Taylor’s concept of scientific management.
2. Explain what Elton Mayo’s Hawthorne studies reveal about worker motivation.
3. Describe Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, and illustrate how these needs relate to employee motivation.
4. Distinguish McGregor’s Theories X and Y and Ouchi’s Theory Z and explain how they are used to explain worker motivation.
5. Identify the basic components of Herzberg’s motivator-hygiene theory.
6. Describe four contemporary theories on employee motivation offer insights into improving employee performance.
7. Explain how managers redesign existing jobs to increase employee motivation and performance.
8. Examine initiatives that organizations are using today to motivate and retain employees.

To achieve these objectives:

1. Read the Module 9 Introduction 
   
2. Read and view the materials in the Chapter 9 Pressbooks book
   
3. Complete the Module 9 Quiz.
4. Complete the Module 9 Ethics Activity.
5. Compete the Module 9 Critical Thinking Case Group Assignment.

Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities