Motivation 14 Mark Evaluation Question

AS Business Studies

January 2010 Question 1d

Motivational techniques have been the main method used by The Authentic Food Company Ltd to create an effective workforce. Do you agree with this view? Justify your decision. (14 Marks)

Step by step

• Read the question carefully and underline any key words which will need defining.

• Read the case study and highlight anything relevant for the answer.

• Make a few small bullet point notes of a structure

Definition of Motivational Techniques

Argument For Argument Against

• The company supports and encourages social activities – Mayo/Maslow

• Effective employees are promoted and rewarded with pay bonuses encouraging improved performance

• Team working in the firm offers motivational benefits due to social aspect of it – Maslow

• Team working encourages empowerment – enhancing performance

• However, the firm invests in training which should boost the performance of the workforce.

• The company is retaining workers (8% labour turnover) who are well trained and effective workers.

• Firm has invested £1 in production technology which contributes to the effectiveness of the workforce.

Evaluation – Don’t just repeat what you already have written!

In evaluation…In retrospect…When assessing fully…….Overall we must consider……

• The employees are obviously motivated well as they nominated their firm as one of Britain’s best employers.

• HOWEVER, there is limited evidence to show that this has made the workforce effective.

• ARGUABLY training is the most important factor – as company places great importance on it.

• Is there any real evidence the firm’s workforce is effective? The company’s profit margins are falling…….

Step 1: Definition

• Define motivational techniques.

Motivational techniques are methods of increasing motivation of the workforce……..

Step 2: Application and Analysis

Motivational techniques can be key to creating an effective workforce. For example, at The Authentic Food Company they encourage social activities such as raising funds for charity, which fulfils one of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The AFC’s employees will be more motivated and their morale may also increase. This may lead to higher levels of productivity and efficiency resulting in a more effective workforce.

Step 2: Application and Analysis

Aim to make 2 well made points for and two against.

Do not list or bullet point ideas, without fully analysing them!

Make sure your points are backed up with business theory or the case study.

Step 3: Evaluation

Try not to repeat points you have just made and make fresh ones, which answer the question asked. I.e. “to what extent”.

Is there any real evidence the firm’s workforce is effective? The company’s profit margins are falling!

Structure

Your Turn!

Now have a go at writing an answer to the 14 mark evaluation question!

Make sure your structure is correct!

Peer Assess

Best Answers – Features/structure