1. Interview the human resource manager of a local company and ask what strategies the company uses to enhance employee job satisfaction. 2. Interview a manager and ask whether he or she believes that...

1. Interview the human resource manager of a local company and ask what strategies the company uses to enhance employee job satisfaction.

2. Interview a manager and ask whether he or she believes that leadership can be taught. What are the implications of the manager's answer?

3. Too Much of a Good Thing

Goal

To encourage students to apply different motivational theories to a workplace problem involving poor productivity.

 Situation

Consider a small company that makes its employees feel as if they are members of a large family. Unfortunately, this company is going broke because too few members are working hard enough to make money for it. They are happy, comfortable, complacent-and lazy. With sales dropping, the company brings in management consultants to analyze the situation and make recommendations. The outsiders quickly identify a motivational problem affecting the sales force: sales reps are paid a handsome salary and receive automatic yearend bonuses regardless of performance. They are also treated to bagels every Friday and regular group birthday lunches that cost as much as $200 each. Employees feel satisfied, but have little incentive to work very hard. Eager to return to profitability, the company's owners wait to hear your recommendations.