PART 1 Motivating Employees
A major influence on job performance is motivation. There are several theories
explaining the concept of motivation (expectancy theory, ERG theory,
reinforcement theory, etc.). Select one of the following three scenarios to use
as a framework for your discussion. In your post, apply a specific motivational
theory to one of the three scenarios. Complete an analysis of the motivational
theory using the scenario as a framework for your discussion.
Scenario A
You are a manager at a manufacturing plant forced to reduce 25% of its
workforce due to budget constraints caused in part by the increased prices of a
raw material. The vast majority of the tasks once performed by employees are
now outsourced to India. Consequently, your remaining workforce has suffered a
significant lack of motivation. It is your task to move the remaining team
forward under the current circumstances ensuring weekly quotas are reached and
none of the production numbers suffer.
Scenario B
You are a call center representative working at a mortgage company struggling
to keep up with the increased regulations and compliance guidelines imposed to
better control this industry. Recently, a junior level manager was promoted to
a Vice President (VP) position, much to the surprise of all the employees. The
employee perception was that the promotion was unfair and that the chosen
candidate lacks the experience and the “people skills” required to excel in the
new role. The first few emails from the newly promoted VP set the stage for a
less flexible, “numbers driven” environment, potentially negatively impacting
employees’ work-life balance. You desperately need this job as a single parent
raising three kids.
Scenario C
You have been employed at the same company for 20 years. You have come to terms
with the fact that you have no promotional opportunities here and you are at a
“dead end job.” You contemplated changing jobs a few times in the last few
years, but some of the reasons you stay include a manageable work load, flexible
work hours, friendly co-workers, and a supportive upper management team. Yet,
you are not motivated to go above and beyond the expectations identified for
your position and job description.
Your initial post should be 250 to 300 words. Use this week’s lecture and the
course text as a foundation for your initial post. Incorporate the following
article into your discussion: The Top 9 Things That Ultimately Motivate
Employees to Achieve.
Respond to at least two other posts regarding items you found to be compelling
and enlightening. To help you with your reply, please consider the following
questions:
• What did you learn from the posting?
• What additional questions do you have after reading the posting?
• What clarification do you need regarding the posting?
• What differences or similarities do you see between your initial discussion
thread and your classmates’ postings?
• How do your classmates’ chosen theories apply to other situations?
PART 2 Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes (KSAs)
Review the Training in Action 1-3 scenario titled, “Training Needs in the
Student tration Office” in Chapter 1 of the Blanchard and Thacker (2013)
text. Assume that you were hired to develop a training program for the Customer
Service Representatives (CSRs) as described in the scenario. Identify four of
the most important KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes) a training program
for the CSRs must address and include your reasoning for selecting these.
Discuss the specific activities to be performed in the five phases of the
training process model: Analysis Phase, Design Phase, Development Phase,
Implementation Phase, and Evaluation Phase.
Use this week’s lecture as a foundation for your initial post. Incorporate into
your discussion the transfer of training concepts from the Jaidev and Chirayath
(2012) article with an emphasis on pre-training, during-training, and
post-training activities. Utilize concepts from the Develop a Training Plan
video and the Blanchard and Thacker (2013) text in your discussion. Your
initial post should be 250 to 300 words.
Respond to at least two other posts regarding items you found to be compelling
and enlightening. To help you with your reply, please consider the following
questions:
• What did you learn from the posting?
• What additional questions do you have after reading the posting?
• What clarification do you need regarding the posting?
• What differences or similarities do you see between your initial discussion
thread and your classmates’ postings?
• Compare the KSAs you identified with those identified by others.
• What are the differences or similarities in the activities identified for the
five phases of the training process model between your initial discussion
thread and others?
• Analyze your classmates’ chosen KSAs. Do you agree or disagree with the
choices? Why or why not? Provide examples where possible.
• Your reply posts should be a minimum of 150-250 words each.
