University of Phoenix

MGT/312 Organizational Behavior for Managers

Week 5 Assignment: Case Study Analysis on Employee Motivation

Organizations succeed when employees remain motivated and committed to their roles. Managers need to understand the factors that influence motivation levels in their teams. In this assignment students review a case study that illustrates motivation problems in a workplace setting.

The case involves a company facing declining employee performance and engagement. Students identify the root causes and apply relevant motivation theories to interpret the situation. They then propose specific strategies that managers can implement to improve motivation.

Students support their analysis with evidence from course materials and additional academic sources. The paper must follow APA formatting guidelines.

Requirements

1. Describe the main issues in the case study.
2. Apply at least two motivation theories to explain employee behavior.
3. Develop recommendations for improving motivation and engagement.
4. Include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
5. Cite a minimum of three sources, including the course textbook.

Length requirement: 1050 to 1400 words.

Grading Rubric

The assignment receives points based on these criteria.

• Content development and analysis: 40 points
• Application of theories: 30 points
• Quality of recommendations: 20 points
• Organization, grammar, and APA style: 10 points

Full credit requires clear arguments, accurate theory application, and proper citations.

Managers can enhance motivation by providing meaningful feedback and recognition. Employees feel valued when their contributions receive acknowledgment. According to Ryan and Deci (2020), when basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness are satisfied, employees exhibit higher intrinsic motivation. Organizations that foster these conditions see improved retention rates and productivity levels.

References

Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2020). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation from a self-determination theory perspective: Definitions, theory, practices, and future directions. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 61, 101860. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cedpsych.2020.101860

Slemp, G. R., Patrick, K. J., Kern, M. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2018). Leader autonomy support in the workplace: A meta-analytic review. Motivation and Emotion, 42(5), 706-724. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11031-018-9698-y

Cerasoli, C. P., Nicklin, J. M., & Ford, M. T. (2018). Intrinsic motivation and extrinsic incentives jointly predict performance: A 40-year meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 144(5), 980-1008. https://doi.org/10.1037/bul0000130

Howard, J., Gagné, M., Morin, A. J. S., & Forest, J. (2020). A systematic review of self-determination theory in work contexts. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 93(2), 345-378. https://doi.org/10.1111/joop.12302