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In-Class Assignment - Management in Practice

Management in Practice

Management: In order to lead effectively in a business environment, one must motivate subordinates, or co-workers. A key component of motivation is recognizing what makes employees “tick.” This exercise will provide the student with several mini-scenarios where they must identify the primary motivational theory at work.

Instructions:

  • Students are to work in groups for 10 minutes to work through the examples. Select a spokesperson to share the outcomes.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Learn to recognize subordinate/co-worker statements that may lead to clues on what motivates them.
  • Develop the ability to apply management theories to real business scenarios, with the ultimate goal of motivating subordinates and co-workers.
  • Emphasize that just “memorizing” management theories is not good enough!

MANAGEMENT IN PRACTICE

From Chapter 10, identify the management theory that best applies to the following business
scenarios.

  1. “I’m really interested in the vice president of sales position. I should have a shot at the job since my sales team always has the best sales and customer service record.”
  2. “This job pays well and we have a really nice place to work, but not much opportunity for advancement. I’ll just do my job and collect my paycheck, but no extra efforts for me. I’m content, but just not that motivated.”
  3. “I don’t even consider this a job. I love what I do and can’t imagine doing anything else. I’m at the top of my game!”
  4. “The last time I didn’t complete the report on time, my boss made me cover the weekend shift. You bet I’ll get the job done early this time! Everyone hates the weekend shift!”
  5. “If I can get a perfect score on just one more customer satisfaction survey, my base pay will go from $15 per hour to $18. I will definitely take care of this customer!”
  6. “I can’t believe Phillipe got the promotion over me. I work more overtime making our customers happy than he does. No more overtime for me and I’m asking for a raise!”
  7. “I really do believe my team likes their work and is motivated. I’m confident my team will deliver the goal this month! Besides, they really like profit-sharing checks!”
  8. “My boss and I agreed my goal this month was to sell 10 units. With one week left, I have already sold nine units. I always attain the goals I set for myself.”

Management Theories - 8

Goal Theory - MBO, McGregor's Theory, Equity Theory, Expectancy Theory, Herzberg Two-Factor (Motivation-Hygiene) theory, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (self-actualization), Taylor's Scientific Management, Reinforcement Theory (Punishment).