Question

III. We achieve the first level of happiness when we are able to provide the basic necessities of life to our families. People who don't have to worry about where the next meal is coming from and have a shelter over their heads are blessed indeed. The next level of needs naturally are higher and man starts aspiring for a worthy job, good health, property and myriad other luxuries. People being human need to be rewarded and encouraged for their endeavors. A number of researchers have investigated the link between motivation and reward. One of the most famous of these was Abraham Maslow who developed what is referred to as Maslow's hierarchy of needs. If you are a manager of leading manufacturing company with 200 employees, suggest the following to company. Answer in 150 words for 5 marks, 300 words for 10 marks a. Design motivational program of need hierarchy to company and explain different types of needs you think will motivate employees. (10 Marks) b. Suggest any five to motivate middle level employees. (10 Marks)

Answer 1

a) The different types of needs as per Maslow’s Need Hierarchy theory that will motivate employees working at different levels are as follows:

• Physiological needs- This is the most basic factor for any employee that covers the necessities like food, clothing, shelter and sleep. If these needs are not satisfied, the employee will feel highly dissatisfied.
• Safety needs- The second level of needs are the ones related to the feelings of security. These cover job and financial security, health security etc. If these needs are not satisfied, there is fear in the minds of employees.
• Sense of Belongingness needs- Once both the above needs are satisfied, the third level of needs are related to belongingness. The employees want to feel trusted and a part of the organisation they are working with. An emotional attachment being developed with the company the employees work with, is covered in this level of needs.
• Esteem needs- When the three lower level of needs get satisfied, the next level of needs is related to self esteem. People want to feel prestigious and seek respect and credit from other people working in the organisation too.
• Self Actualization needs- This is topmost level of needs wherein a person wants to realize all his goals and ambitions and seeks self fulfilment the most.

-All these needs should be covered in the motivational program of the company so as to cater to different sets of employees.
-While none of the employee would be craving for basic physiological needs; financial growth is definitely liked by all.
-Therefore, there should be some cash related incentives to motivate all employees.
-Secondly, the working environment should be calm and peaceful so that people can work with full dedication.
-The employees should be given recognition for their work and should be praised for doing the same, so that they work with more dedication, serving the company with the best that they can be.

b) Five ways to motivate middle level employees are mentioned here under:

(i) Financial benefits: First and foremost, the performance should be linked with some sorts of financial benefits, be it in the form of increased pay or be it in the form of different gift vouchers. Every middle level employee does want to make more money, therefore, their performance should be linked to monetary benefits, in a way that they are able to outpar their previous performance.
(ii) Job enhancement: Deserving employees should be promoted to the next level in the hierarchy to make them feel motivated, simultaneously increasing their efficiency and effectiveness. Also, there should be job security and health benefits, which will take care of their safety needs.
(iii) Recognition: Every person does want their work to be recognised. Praise people for the good work they do. The more people’s work gets recognized, the more output they are able to give. It doesn’t take anything to say some good words but those words work wonders on the motivation level of employees.
(iv) Training: Employees should be provided trainings so as to increase their knowledgebase. Doing the same job for a long period gets monotonous, thereby the employees should be refreshed by providing them trainings so that they work with much more enthusiasm.
(v) Healthy work environment: A healthy work environment consists of both the natural surroundings and the way different people deal. There should be a pleasant atmosphere and people should not be corrected in a taunting manner. Even if some mistake has been committed, it should be dealt with privately, so that the employee doesn’t feel demoralised.

-These methods, if effectively followed, can result in high motivation among the middle level employees.
-Therefore, the employees should be made to realise that their presence is valued by the company and together, the company and the employees can grow.