MOTIVATION AND JOB ENRICHMENT

    Instructions:

·         Read the attached essay guidelines.

·         The essay will contribute 20% to your final grade.

·         Your essay should be between 1,500 and 1,650 words (Excess writing will be disregarded).

·         Reports must be typed in Times New Roman, font size 12 with double line spacing. Pages should be stapled together (top left corner).

·         Your essay MUST be handed in (hard copy) at the designated box near INTO reception by 15.00 on Thursday 17^th March 2011.

·         Any student who fails to hand in the work by this time will lose marks (See point 6 below for details).

·         You should hand in ONE hard copy of the essay.  You will also need to send an electronic copy of your essay by e-mail to your teacher: before 17:30 on Thursday 17^th March 2011

·         What to include:

The essay should include:

·         A plain cover page clearly marked with your name, your group, the title of the assignment and the date that you hand it in.

·         The essay structure must include:

A: Introduction

i). Background: Introduce essay topic—general definition of motivation and job enrichment.

ii) Thesis Statement: One-two clear sentences that contain your argument.  For instance, you should say which organisation you have chosen to work for and give a brief summary why.

iii) Route map: Give an outline of the main points discussed in the body.  For example, working conditions, terms and conditions of employment, personal development and career opportunities.  Also include the main theories of motivation that apply to your discussion (and brief explanation of intrinsic/extrinsic motivation).

B: Body: Split into 2 sections

First Section: Covers analysis for the opposition (the organisation you have not chosen). Analysis should include at least 3 of the above areas, using a separate paragraph for each main point. Each paragraph should complete the following steps:

Step 1: Topic Sentence (what is the paragraph about)? ie. Working conditions, terms and conditions of employment, personal development, AND/OR career opportunities.

Step 2: Give evidence to support (complete with references)

Step 3: Analysis: Show how your point relates to theories of motivation.

*NOTE: Do not begin to say what is wrong with this organisation until you have finished the entire first section.  The SECOND half of the essay is where you overturn this point of view and say what is wrong with the organisation in terms of their motivational approach, etc.

Second Section: Include a transition into the second half of essay: eg. ‘However, X organisation offers more for their employees in terms of . . .’

For EACH paragraph:

Step 1: Topic sentence: MATCH the structure of the 1^st section of the essay, being sure to address the SAME THREE AREAS.

Step 2: Give evidence to support the company’s superior policies.

Step 3: Relate your point to the theories of motivation you are discussing, saying why/how this approach is superior in terms of job enrichment.

C: Conclusion

i)         Restate your thesis

ii)       Give a general summary of the main points in the body.

iii)     End with a strong sentence which leaves an impression on the reader, leaving them in no doubt as to why the company you would choose to work for is the superior choice.

D. References and Bibliography

2.                  Students should bear in mind that plagiarism (copying material from the internet or texts without referencing) or copying from other students will result in an automatic FAIL (0%). Refer to your unit outline for the  policy on plagiarism.

3.                  Sources of information:

For this assignment students are advised to be creative and look for their own information.  However, you will find the following sources useful:

·         Pinder, C.C., 2008, Work Motivation in Organizational Behaviour, Psychology Press/ Taylor & Francis, Hove, East Sussex (2^nd edn).

Gives a comprehensive overview of the development of motivation theories. Emphasises how behaviour at work is shaped by a range of factors including frustration and violence, love and sex, and power—topics which most treatments of motivation ignore.    

·         Further Business books from the INTO resource room and main university Library (See list of Resources in your unit outline).   

·         You might want to use the following as a springboard to jumpstart your own research (however, you are expected to go beyond these and find your own sources):

o       Bassett-Jones, N. and Lloyd, G.C., 2005, ‘Does Herzberg’s motivation theory have staying power?’, Journal of Management Development, 24 (10): 929-43.

Presents the results of a survey of employee attitudes, finding that money and recognition are not primary sources of motivation.  Factors linked to intrinsic satisfaction were found to be more important. This is consistent with Herzberg’s predictions, and the researchers conclude that his theory still has utility half a century after it was developed.

o       Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, 2008, High Performance Working Factsheet, London: Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development.

Describes the components of high performance working, how to implement the approach, common barriers and how to overcome them, citing examples and further references.

o       Burke, R. J. And Cooper, C. L. (eds), 2008, The Long Work Hours Culture: Causes, Consequences and Choices, Emerald Group Publishing, Bingley.

Some observers claim that we have developed a ‘long work hours culture’ which some workaholics enjoy. But working long hours creates health and domestic problems. Using recent research, this book examines what motivates people to work long hours, and explores the costs and benefits.