1.
Your department is diverse, made up of people who are different in their
lifestyles and their stages of life. Mary is a 23-year-old single parent who is
working for minimum wage. Jonathan is 60 years old, extremely wealthy,
and works because he enjoys it. Jane is single, 45 years old, and has few
friends or activities outside the office. Identify where each is Maslow’s
hierarchy of needs. What motivation theory would be appropriate for each
of these?
2. Sara is a new manager hired by Glass Industries Inc. She has discovered that
the team is working in an old building with poor heating, air-conditioning,
and ventilation system. The work itself is tedious, and their supervisor, who
reports directly to Sara, is rarely available to assist and help them make
decisions on unique work orders. Sara has received engagement scores for
this team and found them to be highly disengaged. She has a choice of
investing in improving the workplace environment. Alternatively, she could
set up a suggestion scheme and a robust reward and recognition practice.
Suppose you were Sara, which would be more appropriate for this situation.
Identify the motivation theory at play.
3. When Rahul first went off to college, his father wanted him to study
computer science and mathematics. Rahul’s first year grades were not very
good, but his father wanted him to persevere. Rahul was extremely
demotivated as he felt putting in the effort was not going to help as he was
not interested in the subject. What theory explains Rahul’s current behaviour
?
4. During his second year, Rahul decided to pursue a major in human resource
management, and his grades went up considerably. Rahul is enthusiastic
about taking up a career in HR. Which theory explains this motivation?
5. Bikram & Ajay are business interns who started working with a consulting
firm as part of their IIMB summer internship program. Both of them work as
executive assistants to the Sr. partner from the IT & Sales department
respectively. However, only Ajay’s mentor invites him to all the team
meetings and outings, and therefore Ajay is well respected and connected
with the office circle. Bikram does not have an opportunity to connect with
his seniors and showcase his skills, thus is feeling demotivated. Which
motivation theory do you think would explain Bikram’s situation.
6. Tanya is a plant manager at an automobile manufacturing company. She is
in the habit of reprimanding her workers when they arrive late for work at
the production unit. If any worker was late, they were docked pay. Just
thinking about the loss of pay kept most of her workers from coming late.
7. Mira was confused. In order to motivate Sameer, one of her employees, she
began to pay him for work that she knew he liked to do and for which he has
volunteered earlier. However, she noticed that his overall level of motivation
appeared to decrease. What motivation theory best explains this change in
Sameer’s behavior?
