Assessment activities

Issues for discussion and practice

1.

Explain, by means of practical examples, how external and internal activation can
facilitate purposive behaviour.

2.

Motivation is a self-sustaining process through which the individual expresses his/her

inner self. Explain this statement with reference to relevant motivational concepts.

3.

Jean worked as a junior accountant in a large company that had obvious hierarchical
boundaries between juniors and partners. As a junior, she had a narrow range of
activities, no challenge and limited supervision. She felt that her work was of little
significance to the company as a whole, that she was not getting enough experience
to get to the top, and she felt bored. Jean then resigned and found an appointment in
a smaller firm. There she was held responsible and accountable for various activities,
and her supervisors recognised her inputs, but also her lack of inputs, which they did
not denigrate, but handled with constructive advice as to how to improve. Jean was
soon offered a partnership.
Explain which external activators were conducive to Jeans success.

4.

Petros has worked in a large chemical firm for several years. Through experience
his knowledge is equal to that of fresh graduates in chemistry. He, like them,
knows how to analyse the quality of cement, or of steel, and how it must conform
to specified standards. The companys formal policy is to promote employees
according to qualifications. Petros has reached the ceiling of his promotional
facility because he does not have a degree. His co-workers with degrees are
promoted although he and they are equal in ability. Petros becomes apathetic,
denying his hurt. Next he becomes angry he complains vehemently to his
manager that organisational structures are unfair to experienced employees such
as himself. He bangs his fists on the managers table and slams the door. After a
few of these episodes, he becomes gloomy and depressed. Eventually things
improve a bit when Petross manager manages to have merit increases, based
on performance, instituted.
Explain how anger functions in Petross case, and indicate how the steps in the
emotion process apply to the intensity of his feelings.

5.

Explain how and why goal-setting is involved in individuals intentions to

achieve something. Why do some individuals show little interest and others
more interest in the same event?