Solutions to Assessment activities- issues for discussion and practice

Question 1:
External activation takes place when factors outside the individual encourage
him/her to achieve. For example:
o An employee exceeds the production target, and gets a bonus (positive
motivation).
o A person is dedicated to a challenging job (job content).
o Sales figures motivate sales people (job design).
Internal activation takes place when factors inside the individual encourage him/her
to achieve. For example:
o A copywriter experiences flow (a peak experience) when he plays with words
(self-actualisation).
o A teacher designs new practical teaching instruments because she finds it
meaningful.
Question 2:
This statement refers to functional autonomy, which implies that the actual activity is
motivating the person, and not external factors. When a person experiences a task as
meaningful to the self, and contributing to self-actualisation, the person is motivated to
perform it to the best of his/her ability.
Question 3:
Jean received positive motivation in her new job (recognition for her inputs).
Her job content was motivating, as it provided motivators (responsibility, recognition,
feedback and challenges).
Her job required skill variety and provided identity (various activities), feedback
(recognition and constructive advice) and autonomy (responsibility). The fact that
she was offered a partnership indicates that her new job was significant.
Question 4:
Function of emotion:
o Petros wants to be promoted, but his goal is frustrated (elicitor).
o He tries to use anger as a mechanism to remove the barrier (complains, bangs
his fists, slams the door).
o The function of the emotion in interpersonal context is to signal to the receiver to
ward off a possible further attack through submission or aggression.
Emotion process:
o Event: There is no promotional opportunity.
o Appraisal: Graduates get opportunities, yet they have the same ability. The
situation is perceived as unfair.
o Action readiness: First Petros becomes apathetic, then he complains, and only
then he becomes angry. He was not immediately ready to act; he became ready
over time.
o Behaviour: Petros banged his fists and slammed the door.
o Mood: His behaviour was influenced by his mood of apathy and hurt.

Question 5:
The expectancy theory postulates that people are motivated to work towards goals
that they value. The definition of motivation (motivation is purposive behaviour) also
implies that motivation is goal-directed behaviour.
People are more motivated when goals are challenging, specific and self-chosen,
and when they receive feedback on how well they are progressing towards goal
attainment. People with higher levels of self-efficacy also tend to be more committed
to their goals, as they believe they have the ability to attain their goals.
Ability should also be considered when goals are set.