Managers cannot directly motivate employees, because motivation must come from within the individual. However, managers can establish a climate within the organization that in turn can produce the conditions to encourage the development of motivated and productive employees.
Climate can be described in terms of six dimensions: clarity, commitment, standards, responsibility, recognition, and teamwork. By measuring the level of these six dimensions, managers can determine what problems, if any, exist within the company and can take appropriate action.
Problems in the areas of clarity, commitment, or standards suggest the need for a program of management by objectives. Low scores on responsibility point the way for job redesign. When recognition is perceived as being low, positive reinforcement may be necessary. When teamwork is lacking, management must establish an atmosphere of trust.
- 849 reads