Question

Smita had been working as an assistant manager with 'Johnson Enterprises' for the last ten years. She was very popular amongst her colleagues because of her commitment and dedication towards the work. When the manager senior to her retired, all her colleagues thought that now Smita would be promoted. But to everyone's surprise the vacant post was filled by an outsider, Mrs. Rita. Smita felt demoralized and her performance started declining. She would abstain herself often and could not meet her targets. Mrs. Rita was a good leader, who would not only instruct her subordinates but would also guide and inspire them. She noticed Smita's behavior and felt that her performance could be improved. She started involving Smita in decision making-issues related to the organisation and made her a part of high level joint-management committee. Smith was now punctual in office and her performance started improving.
(i) Identify the function of management being performed by Rita.
(ii) Name the element of the above function of management which helped Rita to improve Smith's behaviour.
(iii) State any three features of the element identified in above.

Answer 1

(i) Directing.
(ii) Motivation,
(iii) Features of motivation:
1. Motivation is a psychological phenomenon. Motivation is an internal feeling which means it cannot be forced on employees. The internal feelings such as need, desire, aspirations, etc. influence human behaviour to behave in a particular manner. For example, desire to have a new house, respect and recognition, etc.
2. Motivation produces goal directed behaviour. Motivation induces people to behave in such a manner so that they can achieve their goal. MotiVated person need no supervision or direction. He will always work in desired manner. For example, if a person has a motive to get promotion so he will work efficiently to get promotion.
3. Motivators can be positive as well as negative. To motivate employees managers use various motivators. Some motivators are positive and some are negative few examples of positive motivators are: promotion, increment, bonus, respect, recognition, etc. If employee does not improve his performance with positive motivators then manager uses negative motivators such as warning, issue of memo, demotion, stopping increments, etc. Sometimes fear of negative motivators also induces person to behave in a desired manner.