Chapter 12 Case
At the Container Store part-time workers also get health benefits. Moreover, the company matches employees' contributions to a 401(k) account up to 4 percent of pay. Which level of Maslow's hierarchy of needs (Figure 12.3) do these two programs cover?
Safety
The Container Store pays employees 50-100 percent above the retail industry average. Based on what you know about Herzberg's two-factor theory, this above-industry pay is most related to which factor?
hygiene
Acuity Insurance and the Container Store Focus on Employee Motivation
Apply the knowledge of Management presented in this chapter to the following case. Applying this knowledge should enable you to have a better understanding of Acuity Insurance and the Container Store's focus on employee motivation. Read the case below and answer the questions on the right. Acuity Insurance and the Container Store were ranked as the 2nd and 14th Best Place to Work by Fortune in 2016. Both companies put a premium on attracting, retaining, and developing great workers, resulting in an engaged and motivated workforce.
If an employee with the same job and background at one of the Container Store's competitors is paid 50-100 percent less than a Container Store employee, the competitor's employee may decrease their effort at work. Which of the following theories most closely explains this behavior?
equity theory
All employees who have been with Acuity Insurance for fewer than five years are invited to special social events that range from happy hours and kayaking trips to bean bag tournaments, NCAA March Madness competitions, and other events that encourage employees to socialize. Which of McClelland's three needs seems to be addressed here?
need for affiliation
At Acuity Insurance 20-30 employees each month are recognized through the Magic Happens program. The program begins by posting any positive feedback from customers, agents, or colleagues outside the local cafeteria. Next, one employee is drawn from this list and the positive feedback is shared over voicemail to all employees throughout the company. This employee also receives a $100 cash gift card. Based on reinforcement theory (Figure 12.10), what type of reinforcement does the Magic Happens program represent?
positive reinforcement
