In the wake of a recent senior staff retreat it was

announced that as a reward for outstanding

work, one employee would be selected each
month to receive the “fuzzy bunny” award.
Another employee dressed in a rabbit suit would
visit the chosen employee’s cubicle bearing
balloons, a coffee mug, and a certificate of merit.
The would presumably encourage us to work
harder. The plan was killed because nobody
would agree to be the bunny.
(email to Scott Adams, The Dilbert Principle)
Agenda 6N:212 10/6

Case Discussion
No Debate -- now discussion!
Mini-Lecture on Techniques
Hand-out Midterm
Concepts and Terms

Textbook Lecture
Nothing Stretch goals -- how
to do it right.
Motivational
techniques common
in organizations --
pros and cons.
When to use what!
Case Discussion

What is problem?
What are relevant theories that help
define the problem and suggest
solutions?
What are you proposed solutions?
Group Discussion

How do you set stretch goals that are

ethical and effective?
Motivating Techniques

Management by Objectives
Employee Recognition Programs
Employee Involvement Programs
Variable Pay
Skill-Based Pay
Management by Objectives
Defition: A program of participatively set
goals that cascade down the organization.
Benefits:
Goals/objectives at all levels are linked
Drawbacks:
Can set unrealistic expectations
Can “overly focus” attention
Employee Recognition Programs
Definition: Non-monetary recognition of
individual and group accomplishments.
Examples:
Employee of the month awards
Recognition ceremonies
Benefits: Low cost.
Drawbacks: Employee cynicism.
Employee Involvement Programs

Definition: Employee participation.

Examples:
Participative Management
Representative Participation
Quality Circles/Process Improvement Teams
Employee Stock Ownership Plans
Benefits: Increases commitment.
Drawbacks: Raises expectations.
Variable-Pay Programs

Definition: A portion of pay is based on

performance.
Examples:
piece-rate pay
gainsharing
profit-sharing
Benefits: Can link pay and performance.
Drawbacks: Variability means risk.
Skill-Based Pay Plans

Definition: Pay levels based on how many

skills employees have.
Benefits:
More flexible workers
More variety & chances for learning
Drawbacks:
People can “top out”
Skill become obsolete
Thought Exercise

What techniques would you use to

motivate each group. Why?
Professionals (ie., doctors, professors)
Student workers (ie., temporary staff)
Assembly line workers (ie., skilled labor)
Low-skills service workers (e.g., telemarketer,
fast food server)
Disgruntled computer programmers