Discussion Question I
Motivation is the psychological process that arouses and directs behavior. There are three theories that will help us understand the motivation of employees in the workplace.
i. Goal-setting theory - Suggests behavior can be motivated with specific, challenging goals that are obtainable. The key to goal-setting theory is ensuring employees understand what is expected and accept the goals.
ii. Self-efficacy - Is the belief "I Can/Can't Do this Task." Self-efficacy is the belief in one's personal ability to do a task. There is a lot to be said to scoring high in this trait. People who are confident about their ability tend to succeed, whereas those who doubt their ability tend to fail.
iii. Reinforcement theory - Explains how behavior can be altered by administering positive or negative consequences to actions of employees. Behavior with positive consequences tends to be repeated, and behavior with negative consequences tends not to be repeated.
For this discussion, I want you to take a moment to think about what it would take to motivate you to achieve your goals at work, and what it would take to motivate people that you've worked with, or your family or friends, to achieve their goals.
a) Of the four areas of study listed above, which would you focus on first?
b) Make sure to explain why you chose this area, and why it would take precedence over the other areas.
c) View this short video for guidance.
Discussion Question II: "Employment Tests, Hiring, and Promotion Decisions"
a) Using the e-Activity, choose two of the following employment tests: drug tests, medical examinations, polygraphs or honesty tests, and scored test of ability. Next, analyze the manner in which the testing itself could be considered illegal when an organization does not properly use it during the employment hiring process. Justify your response.
b) Give your opinion of the purpose of the Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ), as discussed within the text. Then, suggest two occupations where the discriminatory requirement is legal. Justify your response.
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.