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Motivating Employees

The Foundation of People Management

Why motivation is crucial

Motivating employees is a crucial aspect of managing people in business. Motivation explains why employees behave in certain ways and how employers can encourage better performance and satisfaction at work. We will focus on the internal and external drivers that lead to greater enthusiasm and commitment.

Why People Work and Definitions

Individuals work for various reasons, seeking to meet needs and aspirations through their jobs.

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Earning Money

To meet basic needs.
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Fulfillment

Gaining personal fulfillment.
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Motivation

Internal drive or external influence that stimulates people to act.
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Commitment

Motivated employees show greater effort and enthusiasm.

Benefits of a Motivated Workforce

When employees are motivated, businesses experience improvements in efficiency and morale, leading to overall success.

1

Labour productivity

Complete tasks faster and with higher quality, helping the business achieve its objectives efficiently.
2

Reduced absenteeism

Highly motivated employees tend to show better attendance because they find their work enjoyable or meaningful.
3

Lower labour turnover

Reduces recruitment and training costs and maintains continuity because employees feel satisfied and valued.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

The famous theory explains motivation through five ascending levels of human needs, where lower levels must be met first.

1

Physiological needs

Basic survival needs like food, water, shelter, and wages to afford these.
2

Safety needs

Job security, safe working conditions, and protection from risks.
3

Social needs

Friendship, belonging, and teamwork at the workplace.
4

Esteem needs

Recognition, status, and respect from colleagues and management.
5

Self-actualization

The desire to achieve personal growth, creativity, and fulfilling potential at work.

Taylor's Financial Focus

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Taylor’s Scientific Management Theory: Frederick Taylor argued that workers are primarily motivated by money. He believed financial incentives like piece-rate pay encourage higher productivity.

Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory

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Motivators (Satisfiers) Actively improve job satisfaction and motivate employees, such as achievement, responsibility, and recognition.
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Hygiene Factors (Dissatisfiers) Prevent dissatisfaction but don’t motivate by themselves. Examples include pay, working conditions, and job security.

Choosing Motivational Methods

Choosing appropriate motivation methods depends on job type, individual preferences, and business goals.

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Is a sales bonus (commission) the best method for everyone?
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Not always! Sales staff respond to commission, while creative professionals might value job enrichment and career development (non-financial rewards).

Financial Rewards Overview

These rewards provide income security and directly incentivize workers to exceed expectations.

Type Payment Role Fit Benefit
Wages Hour/Day Manual Basic income security
Salary Fixed/Monthly Managerial Stability
Bonus Extra Pay All Roles Achieving targets
Commission Based on Sales Sales Staff Increase performance
Profit sharing Share of Profit Team Effort Loyalty

Non-Financial Rewards

These methods satisfy higher-level needs by improving job context and career opportunities.

E

Job enrichment

Making jobs more interesting by increasing variety, responsibility, and autonomy.
R

Job rotation

Changing employees’ tasks regularly to reduce boredom and develop skills.
T

Teamworking

Encouraging collaboration and social relationships at work; fulfills social needs.
P

Opportunities for promotion

Provides employees with goals and the chance to improve status and income.
Employee Motivation Deck
Term
Motivation

What is motivation in the context of employees?

Answer
Definition

Internal drive or external influence stimulating employees to act to meet needs and aspirations.

Term
Reasons People Work

Name three reasons why people work.

Answer
Examples

To earn money, gain personal fulfillment, and achieve career goals.

Term
Benefits of a Well-Motivated Workforce

What are the benefits of a well-motivated workforce?

Answer
Benefits

Increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and lower labour turnover.

Term
Maslow's First Level

What is the first level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?

Answer
Physiological Needs

Physiological needs (basic survival needs such as food, water, shelter).

Term
Herzberg's Hygiene Factors

According to Herzberg, what are hygiene factors?

Answer
Definition

Factors like pay and working conditions that prevent dissatisfaction but don’t motivate.

Term
Financial Rewards

Give two examples of financial rewards used to motivate employees.

Answer
Examples

Bonus and commission.

Term
Job Enrichment

What does job enrichment involve?

Answer
Explanation

Making jobs more interesting by increasing variety, responsibility, and autonomy.

Term
Taylor’s Scientific Management

How does Taylor’s Scientific Management Theory view motivation?

Answer
Viewpoint

Workers are primarily motivated by money and financial incentives.

Term
Profit Sharing

What is profit sharing and its motivational effect?

Answer
Definition

Employees receive a share of profits, encouraging teamwork and loyalty.

Term
Individual Motivation

Why is it important to understand individual employee motivations?

Answer
Importance

It helps businesses improve morale, efficiency, and success.

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🌸 Motivation Theories Quiz

1. Which of the following is NOT part of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?

Financial incentives are not a level in Maslow’s hierarchy; the hierarchy focuses on human needs.

2. According to Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory, which factor actively motivates employees?

Recognition is a motivator that improves satisfaction, while pay and conditions are hygiene factors.

3. What is a key benefit of having motivated employees?

Motivated employees tend to stay longer, reducing turnover.

4. Which motivation method is best suited for sales roles?

Commission rewards are directly linked to sales performance, motivating sales staff.

5. Frederick Taylor believed employees are mainly motivated by:

Taylor’s theory focused on money as the primary motivator.

📊 Results

  • Notes and Quiz
  • Business
  • O Level
  • Human Resources
  • CAIE