Question

After choosing the topic for a research assignment: Staff motivation and the impact on productivity

State the philosophical basis you will utilize in your research.

• State your reasons for choosing the philosophical framework.

• State your research topic and outline the research problem based on the chosen topic. In outlining the research problem state also what you would like to accomplish with your research.

• Develop 5 – 7 research sub questions.

Answer 1

I use the management philosophy of Douglas McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y. I chose this philosophy to influence the approach of a manager to motivate employees and promote a positive work climate. The perspective of a manager on the employees has a direct relationship to their behavior. I want to analyze the crucial factors motivating the staff and having an impact on the productivity. According to McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y, manager-employee relationships is one of the crucial aspects influencing the motivation of the employees. Theory X focuses on rewards and punishment for motivating employees. Theory Y focuses on work challenges, trust, self-initiative and pride to motivate the employees.
Research Topic: Staff motivation and the impact on productivity
The productivity of the organization is highly dependent on the staff motivation levels. The problem is how to keep the employees motivated to improve the production. If the staff is less motivated, then the productivity comes down drastically. Theory X managers assume that employees are naturally not motivated, avoid responsibility and have a dislike to work. Hence managers use rewards and punishments on a constant basis to motivate the employees. The employees need to controlled and supervised constantly. A carrot and stick approach is used to ensure that the tasks are completed on time. Performance appraisals, remuneration and bonus are some approaches to motivate the employees using Theory X. On the contrary, Theory Y states that a positive, trust-based and collaborative relationship between the employee and the people will lead to high levels of motivation. Theory Y assumes that employees are responsible, happy to work, self-initiative, self-motivated, involved in decision making, solve problems and willing to accept challenges. Managers need to be friendly and encourage them to perform the tasks. I would like to primarily research on the various factors influencing staff motivation from this research.
Research sub questions
What are the factors that influence staff motivation?
How manager-employee relationships affect productivity?
What is the relationship between staff motivation and productivity?
What are the various approaches taken by managers to motivate employees?
What are the various assumptions of managers on staff motivation?