Assignment 1: Applying Theories of Employee Motivation
Overview
This assignment is worth
20% of your overall grade
. You will choose
ONE
theory of employee motivation from Chapter 8 of your
textbook:
·
Needs Theory
·
Expectancy Theory
·
Self-Efficacy Theory
·
Justice Theories
·
Goal-Setting Theory
·
Control Theory
·
Action Theory.
Your task is to
apply the theory creatively, show that you understand it, and make it personal — either by connecting it to your own experiences, to organizations you know, or to an imagined scenario.
This is
not a research paper. Instead, you will show mastery through analysis, application, and creativity.
The assignment will be
open from August 25, 2025 – October 19, 2025. During the final week (October 13–19), this assignment will be your sole focus — no other assignments will be due. Please plan ahead accordingly, as late submissions will not be accepted except for officially documented, university-sanctioned reasons.
Note:
last-minute Wi-Fi or technology issues do
not qualify as university-sanctioned reasons.
Additionally, we will
not formally cover these theories in class until
Week 5
, but I encourage you to preview the chapter early and begin planning your project. I also encourage you to take detailed notes.
Assignment Objectives
By the end of this project, you should be able to:
·
Demonstrate understanding of one motivational theory.
·
Apply the theory to a practical, real-world, or personal scenario.
·
Think critically about the strengths and weaknesses of the theory.
·
Engage creatively, using a format other than a traditional paper.
What You’ll Do
1.
Choose a Theory: Pick ONE
·
Needs Theory
·
Expectancy Theory
·
Self-Efficacy Theory
·
Justice Theories
·
Goal-Setting Theory
·
Control Theory
·
Action Theory.
1.
Explain the Theory (Briefly)
· Provide a clear, accessible explanation of your chosen theory in your own words. Keep this concise — imagine you’re explaining it to someone who has never heard of it. Additionally, make sure you use terminology from the textbook/ video lecture (paraphrase)
1.
Apply the Theory
· Apply the theory in a way that feels meaningful and creative to you. Some options include:
1. Connecting it to your personal experiences (school, sports, volunteer work, jobs, or even family roles).
2. Designing a program or strategy an organization could use (a company, sports team, nonprofit, or even a club you imagine).
3. Showing how the theory could guide someone’s personal goal-setting or self-improvement.
· Your application should include practical examples, not just theory.
1.
Critique the Theory
· Every theory has strengths and limits. What works well about your chosen theory? Where might it fall short? Why? (Think about different workplaces, generations, or life situations.)
1.
Creative Presentation Format –
Please make sure to include a PDF version of your final project and the link (if there is one) in your final submission.
Instead of a paper, you’ll present your project in one of these formats.
· Digital infographic
· Magazine or newspaper-style article
· PowerPoint / Canva presentation
· Creative personal reflection journal (with visuals, stories, etc.)
1.
References and Citations.
· Please be sure to cite the textbook as well as any other sources you use. If you choose to use ChatGPT or another AI tool, ensure that the information aligns with the theories and concepts presented in the textbook. Do not copy and paste directly from the AI tool. Instead, use it as a research aid—paraphrase the information in your own words and cite the source appropriately, including AI-generated content. Moreover, all assignments will be scanned for plagiarism and A.I be careful.
