Employee Motivation PrinciplesNo matter how experienced a leader you are, chances are at times you have struggled to motivate certain individuals. The granddaddy of motivation theory, Frederick Herzberg, called traditional motivation strategies "KITA" (something similar to Kick In The Pants). He used the analogy of a dog. When the master wants his dog to move, he either gives it a nudge from behind, in which case the dog moves because it doesn’t have much choice, or he offers it a treat as an inducement, in which case it is not so much motivated by wanting to move as by wanting choc drops! KITA does the job (though arguably not sustainable) but it’s hard work. Wouldn’t it be better if the dog wanted to move by itself(8) They are about keeping people moving either with a kick from behind (threats, fear, tough targets, and complicated systems to supervise) or by offering choc drops (bonuses, grand presentations of the vision, conferences, campaigns, initiatives, etc).Employers should focus on recognition and reward, including benefits, as well as career development to boost efficiency. (9) They also tend to go the extra mile for customers and are favourable about their organisation, becoming external advocates for their employers. (10) In fact, employers should be actively concerned about the significant minority of employees who are neither happy with their current job role nor their current employers, namely one in four.Staff who are unhappy both with their role and their employers are likely to fall short in terms of levels of commitment, motivation, engagement, advocacy, loyalty and customer focus. (11) .The research findings show that employers should be focusing on critical improvement areas such as recognition and reward (including benefits provision) as well as creating career development opportunities for employees in order to improve happiness levels within the workplace.(12) Our research has found that the combination of a bonus system, private medical insurance and flexible working are the most likely combination to boost efficiency. 11()
A happy employer should therefore have a positive effect on productivity.
B. With regard to benefits, specifically proving employees with the right package seems to be the key to promoting productivity.
C. Therefore, employees should be promoted to increase productivity.
D. It is perceived as HR wisdom that happy employees are likely to be more motivated, engaged, committed, and loyal to their employers.
E. So bosses need to act to avoid an unhappy spiral of poor performance.
F. Transferring this principle back into the workplace, most motivation strategies are "push" or "pull" based.
G. Wouldn’t it be better if the dog wanted to move by itself
Silicon Valley is a magnet to which numerous talented engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs from overseas flock in search of fame, fast money and to participate in a technological revolution whose impact on mankind will surely surpass the epoch-making European Renaissance and Industrial Revolution of the bygone age.(46) With the rapid spread of the Internet since the early 1990s, and the relentless technological innovations generated through it, the information era is truly upon us, profoundly influencing and changing not only our lifestyle, but also the way we work, do business, think and communicate with others.(47) The unprecedented success of the-Valley is a testimony to the concerted international endeavors and contributions by people from diverse cultural and racial backgrounds, made possible by the favorable political, economic and intellectual climate prevailing, as well as the farsighted policies of the US government.Many countries have, or are in the process of creating, their own "Silicon Valley". So far, none has as yet threatened the preeminence of the US prototype. What makes Silicon Valley such a unique entity There are several crucial factors.(48) First and foremost, it has the largest concentration of brilliant computer professionals and the best supporting services in the world, and easy access to world-class research institutions, like Stanford University, which continually nurtures would-be that the industry needs in order to move forward. Without these advantages, the Valley would be a different place.Secondly, it actively encourages, or even exalts, risk taking. Hence, failure holds no terror and there is no shame attached to a failed effort. On the contrary, they will try even harder next time round. Such never-say-die approach is the sine qua non for the ultimate triumph in entrepreneurship and technological breakthrough.(49) A third decisive factor is the vital role of venture capitalists who willingly support promising start-ups with urgently needed initial capital to get them started. Some would even give failed entrepreneurs a second chance if convinced that a fresh concept might lead to ultimate success.(50) Of equal importance, bright young people and middle level professionals are keen to work for a new venture at substantially reduced remuneration, as it offers more scope for entrepreneurship and job satisfaction than the established companies. There is also a pride of achievement if their efforts contribute to its fruition.Intellectual challenges aside, it is a common practice for start-ups to offer generous share options to employees in order to attract the right talent into their folds. This is a powerful incentive to motivate the staff to do their utmost and to share in the company’s prosperity if it reaches its goal. Many regard this as the foundation of a successful enterprise. 49