1. First, undertake Assignment 1 and bear in mind your responses to the assignment. Exchange accounts with a partner before proceeding further.

2. Now assume you are the newly appointed general manager of a privately owned 50-room seaside hotel with restaurant. You have been brought in as a trouble shooter and at interview you were informed there is serious concern about the generally poor level of work performance, that morale is low and there is a disturbing high level of staff turnover.

■ Detail fully the likely actions you would take to help overcome the present situation.

■ Indicate clearly the priorities you would have in mind.

■ Make clear any necessary, reasonable assumptions.

■ Explain how you might draw upon those theories/studies you consider relevant.

3. Write, fully and honestly, the extent to which there is disparity between your own motives and, based on the above, motivating other people. How would you explain and rationalise differences?

4. Compare and discuss critically accounts with your partner, and be prepared to explain and justify your views.

Discussion

■ How far did you avoid generalisations about what motivates other people?

■ What assumptions did you make about the work ethic of staff at the hotel?

■ To what extent where you able to distance your own motivations?

■ What conclusions do you draw from this exercise?

Data from Assignment 1

a. List, as far as possible in rank order, the specific needs and expectations that are most important to you as an individual. (Do not include basic physiological needs such as to satisfy thirst or hunger, or a minimal standard of accommodation.)

b. Explain, briefly, to what extent these needs and expectations are met currently by your present work situation and/or to what extent you anticipate they will be met by your future career ambitions.

c. Think of any work experience that you have had – even a short-term, vacation or part-time job. Briefly describe those aspects of the job and/or experiences that:

(i) Motivated you to work well and to the best of your ability; and

(ii) Had a demotivating influence on your behaviour and performance.

Be prepared to share your feelings and comments as part of a class discussion.