Exploring Management, Third Edition

When J. K Rowling finished the first of her Harry Potter books, she was a single mother living on just over $100 a week. “You sort of start thinking anything's possible,” she once said, “if you've got enough nerve”

13

Motivation: Respect Unlocks Human Potential

Management Live

Engagement and The Incredibles

YOUR CHAPTER 13 TAKEAWAYS

1. Describe how human needs influence motivation to work.
2. Identify how thoughts and decisions affect motivation to work.
3. Understand how reinforcement influences motivation to work.

Mr. Incredible (voiced by Craig T. Nelson) is no longer allowed to be a superhero. In his new life, he is Bob Parr, an ordinary claims adjuster for Insuricare. He works in a cubicle in a massive office complex. Parr hates his job because it is monotonous and because it doesn't use his special skills. And, because his boss prohibits him from helping truly needy customers. When Gilbert Huph (voiced by Wallace Shawn) calls Parr into his office for a lecture and threatens to fire him, it pushes Parr to the breaking point.

What is the difference between someone who dislikes her or his job and one who does not? A lot comes down to engagement—aspects of the work experience that create a sense of connection to the job and organization.

Workers who are engaged generally have positive ...