People in business
Motivational at work
What is motivation?
Motivation is the act of giving somebody an incentive to do something. The carrot and stick analogy states that people are motivated by two things: things that they want to avoid, or things that they covet. Motivational theories are put into practice in order to motivate workers to work hard and effectively for the business.
Motivation is the act of giving somebody an incentive to do something. The carrot and stick analogy states that people are motivated by two things: things that they want to avoid, or things that they covet. Motivational theories are put into practice in order to motivate workers to work hard and effectively for the business.
Why do people work?
People work for a variety of reasons:
People work for a variety of reasons:
- to make money
- to make new friends
- for a sense of importance
- for a sense of achievement
- for a sense of identity
- to satisfy their personal ambitions
Motivational theories
People who work for themselves work hard and effectively because they are able to see the direct result of their efforts. People who work for somebody else may not be able to see the benefits of their results so motivational theories are put in place to help the business succeed. There are four main theories, each created by Taylor, Maslow, McGregor and Herzberg.
F.W. Taylor - The production line
Taylor's speciality was mass production and efficiency. He had personal experience as a factory laborer and worked very hard. He ended up conducting an experiment on how labor productivity could be increased. He encouraged Henry Ford to break work down into simple processes. He calculated the potential output of each worker, and gave each worker a target output. However, people thought his theory was too simplistic and that people could be motivated in other ways than having a goal to work towards. Also, each worker had the same repetitive job on the production line and the theory is mostly only applicable to the production line.
Taylor's speciality was mass production and efficiency. He had personal experience as a factory laborer and worked very hard. He ended up conducting an experiment on how labor productivity could be increased. He encouraged Henry Ford to break work down into simple processes. He calculated the potential output of each worker, and gave each worker a target output. However, people thought his theory was too simplistic and that people could be motivated in other ways than having a goal to work towards. Also, each worker had the same repetitive job on the production line and the theory is mostly only applicable to the production line.
Abraham Maslow - The Hierarchy of Needs
Abraham Maslow was an American psychologist who studied employee motivation. He proposed the Hierarchy of Needs:
Abraham Maslow was an American psychologist who studied employee motivation. He proposed the Hierarchy of Needs:
Frederick Herzberg - Two-factor theory
Herzberg's two factor theory of motivation included two factors: motivational factors and hygiene factors. Hygiene factors included pay, status, job security, good working conditions, benefits, and relations with other employees, much like the bottom three levels of Maslow's pyramid. Motivational factors included recognition, sense of achievement, promotional opportunities, and meaningfulness of work, like the top two levels of Maslow's pyramid.
Herzberg's two factor theory of motivation included two factors: motivational factors and hygiene factors. Hygiene factors included pay, status, job security, good working conditions, benefits, and relations with other employees, much like the bottom three levels of Maslow's pyramid. Motivational factors included recognition, sense of achievement, promotional opportunities, and meaningfulness of work, like the top two levels of Maslow's pyramid.
Douglas McGregor - Theory X and Theory Y
McGregor was a management professor who identified two types of manager. Theory X stated that managers should be mean and that people dislike working and have to be pressured into it with a threat of punishment. Theory X also states that workers do not want responsibility and that they are not ambitious. Theory Y stated that managers should be nice and that people like working and can be unsupervised and use their own initiative. Theory Y also states that workers are committed to hard work, accept responsibility and seek responsibility.
McGregor was a management professor who identified two types of manager. Theory X stated that managers should be mean and that people dislike working and have to be pressured into it with a threat of punishment. Theory X also states that workers do not want responsibility and that they are not ambitious. Theory Y stated that managers should be nice and that people like working and can be unsupervised and use their own initiative. Theory Y also states that workers are committed to hard work, accept responsibility and seek responsibility.
Existing motivational practices
Piece rate
When workers are paid for every piece they produce, usually on a production line. This can encourage workers to work harder and produce higher quotas, which leads to higher production levels. However, workers are encouraged to put quantity over quality and this may lead to products of a lower quality, which could effect sales. It is also expensive to have supervisors monitoring quality all the time. Workers are still paid minimum wage no matter how much they produce, but they can be paid extra if they reach target quotas.
When workers are paid for every piece they produce, usually on a production line. This can encourage workers to work harder and produce higher quotas, which leads to higher production levels. However, workers are encouraged to put quantity over quality and this may lead to products of a lower quality, which could effect sales. It is also expensive to have supervisors monitoring quality all the time. Workers are still paid minimum wage no matter how much they produce, but they can be paid extra if they reach target quotas.
Salaries
When workers are paid a certain amount every year. The amount is decided on a yearly basis, but can be split into equal amounts so the worker can be paid every week or month. People may get paid a small salary, but it could come with a commission, for example, if a realtor sells a house, he may get to keep five percent of the money made from the sale. Workers may also get paid extra for good performance.
When workers are paid a certain amount every year. The amount is decided on a yearly basis, but can be split into equal amounts so the worker can be paid every week or month. People may get paid a small salary, but it could come with a commission, for example, if a realtor sells a house, he may get to keep five percent of the money made from the sale. Workers may also get paid extra for good performance.
Perks
These are non-monetary rewards for working under certain conditions. For example, most expatriates living in Shanghai usually get medical insurance, education, transportation and housing all paid for. These are examples of perks.
These are non-monetary rewards for working under certain conditions. For example, most expatriates living in Shanghai usually get medical insurance, education, transportation and housing all paid for. These are examples of perks.
Job satisfaction
If workers like their job and are happy with what they are doing, they will be more motivated to do it right. However, if management is poor and employees are treated badly, they will not be willing to do their job well.
If workers like their job and are happy with what they are doing, they will be more motivated to do it right. However, if management is poor and employees are treated badly, they will not be willing to do their job well.
Job rotation
When workers swap duties for a specific period of time in order to increase variety. The exposure to different jobs can make it easier for managers to assign different jobs in order to cover for absent people.
When workers swap duties for a specific period of time in order to increase variety. The exposure to different jobs can make it easier for managers to assign different jobs in order to cover for absent people.
Job enlargement
When more jobs are added to a worker's job description. This adds variety to the worker's job with a similar level of actual work. It does not increase the level of responsibility the worker has.
When more jobs are added to a worker's job description. This adds variety to the worker's job with a similar level of actual work. It does not increase the level of responsibility the worker has.
Job enrichment
When jobs are added to a worker's job description which require more skills or responsibility to carry out. Additional training may be required in order for workers to do these jobs, but workers will be more committed and there is scope for fulfilling the higher levels of the Hierarchy of Needs.
When jobs are added to a worker's job description which require more skills or responsibility to carry out. Additional training may be required in order for workers to do these jobs, but workers will be more committed and there is scope for fulfilling the higher levels of the Hierarchy of Needs.
Teamwork
When a group of workers is given responsibility for a particular process in the production or development of a product.
When a group of workers is given responsibility for a particular process in the production or development of a product.
Management
The role of management
- planning - setting aims or targets which give the organization a sense of direction or purpose.
- organizing - delegation of tasks to others in the organization and organizing people and resources.
- coordinating - to 'bring people in the organization together' to make sure that all departments work together.
- commanding - guiding, leading and supervising people to make sure they are keeping to targets and deadlines.
- controlling - the measurement and evaluation of the work of all individuals and groups to make sure they're on target.
The importance of delegation
When a manager gives somebody who is lower on the chain of command a job to do. It is giving that person the authority to perform the task, but not the final responsibility - this means that if the employee fails, the manager has to take responsibility. Managers cannot do everything by themselves and are less likely to make mistakes if some tasks are being performed by subordinates. Delegation also enables managers to measure the success of their staff. Work becomes more interesting and rewarding for employees if they are given the authority to perform a task, making them feel important and trusted. Delegation also helps to train workers so they can make progress in the organization. However, there is a risk that the subordinate will fail, or that the subordinate will do a better job than the manager. The manager will also no longer have complete control.
When a manager gives somebody who is lower on the chain of command a job to do. It is giving that person the authority to perform the task, but not the final responsibility - this means that if the employee fails, the manager has to take responsibility. Managers cannot do everything by themselves and are less likely to make mistakes if some tasks are being performed by subordinates. Delegation also enables managers to measure the success of their staff. Work becomes more interesting and rewarding for employees if they are given the authority to perform a task, making them feel important and trusted. Delegation also helps to train workers so they can make progress in the organization. However, there is a risk that the subordinate will fail, or that the subordinate will do a better job than the manager. The manager will also no longer have complete control.
Leadership
Types of leadership
- Autocratic
- Laissex-Faire
- Democratic
Autocratic leadership
When one person is in charge and gives orders. A figure who separates himself from his employees, only telling them what they want and need to know using top-down communication. Employees get little opportunity to comment and this method of leadership is especially useful in jobs like military or in a business with a hierarchical structure.
When one person is in charge and gives orders. A figure who separates himself from his employees, only telling them what they want and need to know using top-down communication. Employees get little opportunity to comment and this method of leadership is especially useful in jobs like military or in a business with a hierarchical structure.
Laissex-Faire leadership
When employees are allowed to make their own decisions instead of consulting a leader. Communication can be difficult because there are no clear directions - the leader takes a 'hands off' approach.
When employees are allowed to make their own decisions instead of consulting a leader. Communication can be difficult because there are no clear directions - the leader takes a 'hands off' approach.
Democratic leadership
When employees are involved in decision making in open discussions. The final decision is made by a leader after he consults employees. Information goes both ways: there is top-down and down-up communication.
When employees are involved in decision making in open discussions. The final decision is made by a leader after he consults employees. Information goes both ways: there is top-down and down-up communication.
Trade unions
A trade union is a group of workers who have joined together to ensure their interests are protected. There are many benefits of joining a trade union:
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Recruitment and selection
The recruitment process
- Vacancy arises
- Job analysis
- Job description written
- Job specification
- Job advertised in appropriate media
- Application forms and shortlisting
- Interviews and selection
- Vacancy filled
Types of recruitment
Internal recruitment is when the post is filled from within the organization. The vacancy may be advertised on a company noticeboard or newspaper. This would be suitable for an employee who seeks promotion within the business.
External recruitment is when the post is filled by someone who is not an existing employee and will be new to the business. The vacancy may be advertised in local or national newspapers, specialist magazines and journals, recruitment agencies and job centers.
Internal recruitment is when the post is filled from within the organization. The vacancy may be advertised on a company noticeboard or newspaper. This would be suitable for an employee who seeks promotion within the business.
External recruitment is when the post is filled by someone who is not an existing employee and will be new to the business. The vacancy may be advertised in local or national newspapers, specialist magazines and journals, recruitment agencies and job centers.
Training
The need for training
Training is used to introduce employees to new processes, equipment or systems. It can help improve efficiency and build on unskilled workers' skills. It can decrease the amount of supervision needed and can provide workers with internal promotional opportunities.
Training is used to introduce employees to new processes, equipment or systems. It can help improve efficiency and build on unskilled workers' skills. It can decrease the amount of supervision needed and can provide workers with internal promotional opportunities.
Induction training
This type of training is for new employees and the duration of the training period varies depending on the employee's job. The new employee may be educated about the firm's history, culture, customs, activities, procedures and working conditions.
This type of training is for new employees and the duration of the training period varies depending on the employee's job. The new employee may be educated about the firm's history, culture, customs, activities, procedures and working conditions.
On-the-job training
This type of training is conducted on-site and is usually individual training for a specific job by observing more experienced workers. It is cheaper than off-the-job training, but the trainer may be unproductive.
This type of training is conducted on-site and is usually individual training for a specific job by observing more experienced workers. It is cheaper than off-the-job training, but the trainer may be unproductive.
Off-the-job training
This type of training is conducted off-site by specialist trainers. It may involve classroom learning, lectures, role play, case studies and computer simulations. Regular work hours can be used for off-the-job training, but this will reduce work output. It can also be done after work in order to keep output the same, but workers will be tired if they have to train after work.
This type of training is conducted off-site by specialist trainers. It may involve classroom learning, lectures, role play, case studies and computer simulations. Regular work hours can be used for off-the-job training, but this will reduce work output. It can also be done after work in order to keep output the same, but workers will be tired if they have to train after work.
Benefits of training
Employees will gain skills during training and they will be able to rotate jobs. The business will also be able to enlarge and enrich workers' jobs, which will increase efficiency and output.
Employees will gain skills during training and they will be able to rotate jobs. The business will also be able to enlarge and enrich workers' jobs, which will increase efficiency and output.
Workforce planning
Dismissal
When a worker is told to leave their job because their work or behavior is unsatisfactory. For example, an employee who is constantly late for work, despite warnings, continued to be late, would probably be dismissed.
When a worker is told to leave their job because their work or behavior is unsatisfactory. For example, an employee who is constantly late for work, despite warnings, continued to be late, would probably be dismissed.
Redundancy
There may be occasions when a business needs to reduce the number of employees, either because it is closing down a branch/factory or can no longer afford to pay some employees. Another possible reason is if a business has been merged or taken over and some jobs have become surplus to requirements in the new business.
There may be occasions when a business needs to reduce the number of employees, either because it is closing down a branch/factory or can no longer afford to pay some employees. Another possible reason is if a business has been merged or taken over and some jobs have become surplus to requirements in the new business.
Legal controls over employment issues
Employment contracts
An employment contract is a legal requirement to set out the terms of employment. It contains the following information:
An employment contract is a legal requirement to set out the terms of employment. It contains the following information:
- Name of employer and employee
- Job title
- Date when employment is to begin
- Work hours
- Pay and other benefits
- When payment will be made
- Amount of notice that will be given
Unfair dismissal
Instant dismissal is allowed in the case of theft, drunkenness, or insubordination, among others. However, dismissal is unfair if the employee has joined a trade union, is pregnant or when no warnings are given before dismissal. Complaints about unfair dismissal can be made to an industrial tribunal or a trade union.
Instant dismissal is allowed in the case of theft, drunkenness, or insubordination, among others. However, dismissal is unfair if the employee has joined a trade union, is pregnant or when no warnings are given before dismissal. Complaints about unfair dismissal can be made to an industrial tribunal or a trade union.
Discrimination
Discrimination means to make a choice. Unfair discrimination is when an employer makes an unfair choice based on the race, gender, religion, age, sexuality or disability of an employee. Unfair discrimination can be reported to the Equal Opportunities Commission or the employee's trade union.
Discrimination means to make a choice. Unfair discrimination is when an employer makes an unfair choice based on the race, gender, religion, age, sexuality or disability of an employee. Unfair discrimination can be reported to the Equal Opportunities Commission or the employee's trade union.
Health and safety
Employers are legally required to protect employees from dangerous machinery, maintain reasonable workplace temperatures, provide hygienic working conditions with washing facilities, prevent excessively long shifts, and provide breaks in the work timetable.
Employers are legally required to protect employees from dangerous machinery, maintain reasonable workplace temperatures, provide hygienic working conditions with washing facilities, prevent excessively long shifts, and provide breaks in the work timetable.
Wage protection
Employees must be provided with a minimum wage. This prevents exploitation of poor workers, encourages employers to train unskilled workers, encourages more people to seek work, and provides economic benefits. However, it increases costs and may cause high levels of unemployment if employers think that the minimum wage is too high.
Employees must be provided with a minimum wage. This prevents exploitation of poor workers, encourages employers to train unskilled workers, encourages more people to seek work, and provides economic benefits. However, it increases costs and may cause high levels of unemployment if employers think that the minimum wage is too high.
Communication
One-way communication
When a message is sent from the sender to the receiver, but the receiver is unable to provide feedback.
When a message is sent from the sender to the receiver, but the receiver is unable to provide feedback.
Two-way communication
When a message is sent from the sender to the receiver, and the receiver is able to provide a response/feedback.
When a message is sent from the sender to the receiver, and the receiver is able to provide a response/feedback.
Verbal communication
A quick and efficient method of communication that provides immediate feedback and can be reinforced by body language.
A quick and efficient method of communication that provides immediate feedback and can be reinforced by body language.
Written communication
Provides hard evidence of communication which can reduce disagreements if there is a legal conflict. It is easy to copy and distribute.
Provides hard evidence of communication which can reduce disagreements if there is a legal conflict. It is easy to copy and distribute.
Visual communication
Visual communication is appealing, attractive, and more interesting than other types of communication. It can also be more clear and can be reinforce information using illustrations.
Visual communication is appealing, attractive, and more interesting than other types of communication. It can also be more clear and can be reinforce information using illustrations.
Barriers of effective communication
- technical jargon used - appropriate and understandable language should be used when communicating
- unclear message - the receiver can provide feedback to check their understanding
- wrong channel - e.g. if a noticeboard is used for a message to one person, another channel should be used
- long chain of command - the shortest possible channel should be used to communicate
- no feedback received - a more useful medium should be used if the receiver cannot provide feedback