MGT302 Module 1 Case
Employee Motivation
Jenna McGinnis
11/29/2013
Money is motivating; however, money is not the only motivating factor for employment. In fact, some psychologists theorize that employee pay is not nearly as important as other factors. There are plenty of jobs or tasks that people wouldn’t do for money, regardless of the amount. For example, my husband was recently offered a job in a city that is 10 hours away from where we currently live. The salary he was offered is almost double what he is getting paid now, but he declined the position because it would mean that we would have to be away from each other. Motivation for work is much more than just monetary incentives- it is based on human needs. Psychologists Frederick Herzberg, David McClelland, and Abraham Maslow developed theories of worker motivation as they apply to basic human needs.
In the case study, Motivation at Norsk Petroleum, two employees, Elizabeth Pedersen and Ola Rennemo find themselves facing difficult employment decisions. Pedersen, a petroleum engineer, is considering taking a position at a small, independent company that will require greater responsibility. Rennemo, a computer technician, is taking a position at a company that is closer to his home and will reduce his commute. The motivation for taking the new positions is different for each individual.
Pedersen’s motivation can be analyzed using Herzberg’s Motivation-Hygiene Theory. During her meeting with Lisa Bohm, Pedersen indicates that she is excited about the increased responsibility. One of Herzberg’s factors for satisfaction is responsibility, which couples with two more factors- advancement and growth (Chapman). As a petroleum engineer, Pedersen is currently working at a large petroleum company where she is focused on specialized tasks specific to her specialty. By working for a smaller company, Pedersen is able to take on wider projects and responsibilities that are currently outside her...