One of the key challenges for managers is to motivate and empower employees towards productive performance. This is particularly true in the case of downsizing which can lead to a violation of psychological contracts. A short scenario on issues with motivating employees' morale during downsizing will be posted in week 1 of the session on Interact/Resources folder. Your task is to read the scenario and use it to:

a) Explain how managers can use content and process motivation theories to enhance productivity and human resource maintenance in the presented scenario.

b) Explain how managers can use empowerment as a strategy to engage and motivate employees.

Make sure to apply relevant theoretical models and research findings that support your argument. Your answer should not only explicitly show an understanding for the theory under study, but also demonstrate a critical reflection on the theory and practice. Using journal article and books for reference list, quote and paraphrase.

Rationale

The aim of this assignment is to develop an understanding of the link between motivation and performance, exploration of OB theories on motivation and their application to a scenario. This assessment is linked with the learning outcomes:

• be able to identify and explain the contemporary Organisational Behaviour (OB) theories and concepts about behaviour of people in organisations as individuals or as members of collective groups and culture

• be able to explain what motivates individuals' behaviour in organisations and create suggestions for managing their behaviour based on OB theories and concepts; and

• be able to assess effective practices of an organisation, identify key issues and formulate and apply appropriate managerial strategies for enhancing the performance of an organisation and its people.