Motivational Problem 3 Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Motivational Problem 3 - Term Paper Example As a result productivity level has decreased significantly so much that upper management has noticed Johns inefficiency as a team leader. The above situation can be best understood by John S. Adams equity of motivation (Adams, 1965). Equity theory holds that "motivation is a function of fairness in social exchanges," (Kinicki and Kreitner 2009, p.174). The theory explains that people are made up of their beliefs and behaviors. Any perceived inconsistency in social interchange at the workplace affects their attitudes and perception towards the organization. This in turn affects their motivation level; they will be less productive and display less corporate citizenship behaviors (Kinicki and Kreitner, 2009). Johns group has developed a pervasive Asian culture of work without John being aware of it. With Jennys domineering personality, members have started to lean towards her for guidance because they consider John as an outsider of this group due to the differences in beliefs, attitudes and culture. They can relate to Jennys perception of unfairness because they belong to similar cultural backgrounds (Asians). Thus, they only engage in work when they know she is in-charge, which undermines Johns leadership within his own group. Adams explains that individual-organization exchange relationship is the key to exchange component in organizational productivity. Through inputs like skills, creativity, training, education, and experience, employees expect exchange outputs like bonuses, pay, and fringe benefits from the organization. Other outputs may not be tangible such as status symbols, recognition, and participation in decision making, job security, and job challenge. These are equally important (Kinicki and Kreitner, 2009; Adams, 1965). This explains Jennys behaviors. John and the managements insensitivity to her inputs have made her resent her superiors and in turn her relationship with the