LIFE STORIES OF RECENT MBAs

Motivation

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PART 1

Consider following 6 motivation theories and analyse the 6 case-stories (individuals) given. In the table
below mark a ‘Y’ where your analysis shows that the theory can apply and explain the motivations of the
person, and a ‘N’ where that theory cannot explain the motivations of the person.

MONICA ANN JAIME SACHIN ALEX DANIEL

CHI GILDROY IRICK JAIN MANDL SALVADORI
ERG THEORY Y Y Y Y Y Y
2 FACTOR THEORY Y Y N N Y Y
McCLELLAND Y Y Y Y N N
NEEDS THEORY
EQUITY THEORY N N N N N N
EXPECTANCY N N N N N Y
THEORY
GOAL THEORY Y Y N Y N N

PART 2

From your analysis in Part I above, choose 2 theories which you think best explains the motivation of
the individuals in the case. Justify your choice.

ERG THEORY

Character Name Case Fact Explanation

MONICA CHI “Learning and growth are huge Here she seeks for learning
motivators for me” and growth which is explained
by the Growth aspect of the
ERG theory.

ANN GILDROY “I rely on my peers and She relies on her peers to get
colleagues to talk through motivated which cover the
those moments” Relatedness needs of ERG
theory.
JAIME IRICK “My motivators has always He was involved in community
been being able to service and took part in other
help other” social activities which can be
classified as a Self-
Transcendence which is a
Growth need of ERG theory

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 SACHIN JAIN “My motivations are driven by He came from family of starters
my family and what I observed which later led him to believe
growing up” that he was supposed to give
back, to lead, to do things. This
“You’re leads him to a view that there
supposed to give back, to lead, is a higher goal, which leads us
to do things” to infer that self-actualization
(Growth) is one of the
motivators for him.

ALEX MANDL “Desire to shed light on He tried to work on the

overlooked areas and to bring problems that other people
legitimacy and validity to usually neglected and focussed
unconventional methods and on applying his strengths and
strategies.” talents to causes to areas
where he felt that they were
“I have gained satisfaction from deeply needed. This need for a
bringing a fresh perspective to higher purpose falls under the
a complicated problem” Growth category of the ERG
theory.

DANIEL SALVADORI “I am motivated by continuous He is also motivated by

learning and by meeting new continuous learning, this
people” constant need to improve
himself with his openness to
“The classes would learn from the perspectives of
have been less rewarding his fellow students in HBS
without the invaluable input of shows relates Growth aspect of
my fellow students” ERG theory.

2-Factor Theory

Character Name Case Fact Explanation

MONICA CHI “Working with great She was motivated by the
colleagues on meaningful work meaningful work. Here she
is so much important” relates to Job Satisfier aspect
of 2 Factor theory
ANN GILDROY “Drew lot of energy from being She got motivated by doing a
able to provide safety and meaningful work by taking
security and a better life to responsibility of the safety of
people who had been caught people caught in violence. It
up in tremendous violence and relates to Job Satisfier aspect
poverty” of 2 Factor theory
ALEX MANDL “I am driven to apply my Alex got motivated by applying
strengths and talents to areas his strength in the work he is

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 where they are deeply
needed”
“Navigate complex and
difficult situations or problem
is another course of
motivation for me”
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doing. It relates to doing
challenging job and
meaningful work. The
willingness to face complex
situations in pursuit of a higher
purpose. It relates to Job
Satisfier aspect of 2 Factor
theory