Leadership and Motivational Theory
A Question of Motivation
Florence Adepoju, Traci Howard, Ashley Jackson, & Nadia Syahmalina
BMGT 364: Management and Organization Theory
Professor Steiger
September 23, 2012
Introduction
The case study, A Question of Motivation, explores the various types of leadership styles that affect the motivation of the employee. Jonathan and Dan have two different managerial styles. Jonathan, a supervisor in the supermarket, varies the duties of his subordinates (Robbins & Judge). In contrast, Dan, the other supervisor in the case study, prefers consistent routine and station adherence with a focus on repetitiveness (Robbins et al). The depiction of Jonathan in the case study is that of a supervisor who is well liked and more hands off. As such, everyone at the supermarket wants to work for him (Robbins et al). Dan, on the other hand, is portrayed as caustic and a stickler for 30-minute lunch breaks (Robbins et al). The protagonist of the case study is Alex and his friend, Stephanie. Alex works underneath the supervision of Dan and Stephanie is Jonathan's employee. Alex is depicted as unhappy and frustrated, while Stephanie is spirited and motivated. Through Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, Equity Theory, Hersey Blanchard Theory of Leadership, and the Path-Goal Theory of Leadership, this paper will analyze the management styles of Jonathan and Dan and how each style influences the motivation of their employees, Stephanie and Alex.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a theory that shows the relationship of an employee’s personal needs to the employee’s work, and how the employee’s personal needs are satisfied within their assigned work (Gawel, 1997). It includes five types of needs, which are presented in order of satisfaction: physiological, safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization (Certo & Certo, 2012). As these needs are examined, my conclusions will show how Stephanie’s needs are being met while Alex’s
Florence Adepoju, Traci Howard, Ashley Jackson, & Nadia Syahmalina
BMGT 364: Management and Organization Theory
Professor Steiger
September 23, 2012
Introduction
The case study, A Question of Motivation, explores the various types of leadership styles that affect the motivation of the employee. Jonathan and Dan have two different managerial styles. Jonathan, a supervisor in the supermarket, varies the duties of his subordinates (Robbins & Judge). In contrast, Dan, the other supervisor in the case study, prefers consistent routine and station adherence with a focus on repetitiveness (Robbins et al). The depiction of Jonathan in the case study is that of a supervisor who is well liked and more hands off. As such, everyone at the supermarket wants to work for him (Robbins et al). Dan, on the other hand, is portrayed as caustic and a stickler for 30-minute lunch breaks (Robbins et al). The protagonist of the case study is Alex and his friend, Stephanie. Alex works underneath the supervision of Dan and Stephanie is Jonathan's employee. Alex is depicted as unhappy and frustrated, while Stephanie is spirited and motivated. Through Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, Equity Theory, Hersey Blanchard Theory of Leadership, and the Path-Goal Theory of Leadership, this paper will analyze the management styles of Jonathan and Dan and how each style influences the motivation of their employees, Stephanie and Alex.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a theory that shows the relationship of an employee’s personal needs to the employee’s work, and how the employee’s personal needs are satisfied within their assigned work (Gawel, 1997). It includes five types of needs, which are presented in order of satisfaction: physiological, safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization (Certo & Certo, 2012). As these needs are examined, my conclusions will show how Stephanie’s needs are being met while Alex’s