Question

You are a mechanic in a local chain of successful auto body shops. You’ve been there 8 years but have not been promoted or given any opportunity to grow and develop in spite of your degree in business and 10 other years of experience in mechanics. The owner of the company is usually absent and morale is low, both of which have contributed to high turnover. What employee involvement programs and/or motivation theories do you think would help turn things around? Be specific.

Answer 1

Hersbergs two factor theory can be applied here. According to this theory there are two factors that can influence employees satisfaction which includes motivator factors and hygiene factors. Motivator factors comprises of all the factors that motivate employees to work hard and contribute their maximum to their work and which includes,enjoying the work, progress in career and recognition in company. Hygiene factors are the factors that lead to dissatisfaction and dicreases motivation in workplace and which includes less salary, lack of company polocies and benefits ,improper or dissatisfied relations with managers and coverkers. Inorder to improve satisfaction in workplace both motivator and hygene factors must be improved. In the above situation an increase in salary or promotion can be given to the employee to motivate him.

The employees can be motivated through following ways

• Ensure support and reinforcement for employees
• provide feedback so that they can better utilizetheir resources and can contribute better
• Provide the best possible working condition and good payment
• ensure proper attention and a supportive attitude towards employees
• Be sensitive to employees needs

Here the owner can use participative management can be used as an employee involvement programme. The employees must be given chance to express his views and opinions.Emoloyees must be included in the decision making process. This make the employees more responsible. This can inturn provide higher status to employees.Employees will be motivated since they are involved in management.