Motivation
Q: What is motivation?
A: The internal & external drive that directs a person’s behaviour toward
achieving goals
Q: Name 3 main leadership styles.
A: Autocratic, Democratic, Laissez-faire
Q: What is departmentalization?
A :
Dividing an organization into specialized functional units
(e.g., marketing, finance, operations)
Q: What are the four functions of management?
A: Planning, Organizing, Leading (Directing), Controlling
Q: Name one Canadian company known for motivated employees.
A: Examples: WestJet, Lululemon, Shopify,
Q: Name the five levels in Maslow’s Hierarchy.
A: Physiological, Safety, Social (Belonging), Esteem, Self-Actualization
Q: What is transformational leadership?
A:
Inspiring employees to commit to organizational goals and perform
beyond expectations
Q: Define “span of control.”
A: The number of employees a manager directly supervises
Q: Which level of management sets long-term strategic goals?
A: Top management, C-levels…
Q: How does bilingualism impact leadership?
A: Managers must communicate inclusively in both English and French; affects policies,
signage, and training
Q: Explain Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory.
A: Hygiene factors prevent dissatisfaction; motivators create job satisfaction
Q: Why is communication vital for leaders in Canada?
A: Because of diverse, bilingual, and team-oriented workplaces that require clarity
and inclusion
Q: Difference between a line and matrix organization?
A: Line = clear hierarchy and chain of command; Matrix = employees report to both
functional and project managers
Q: What is the difference between a mission and vision statement?
A: Mission = current purpose of the organization; Vision = desired future direction
Q: Why is empowerment important in Canadian workplaces?
A: It builds trust, encourages creativity, and improves morale and productivity
Q: What is McGregor’s Theory X vs. Theory Y?
A: Theory X assumes workers dislike work and need control; Theory Y assumes workers
seek responsibility and self-direction
Q: Difference between a manager and a leader?
A: Managers maintain systems and control processes; leaders inspire, motivate,
and create vision
Q: What is decentralization?
A: Delegating decision-making authority to lower management levels
Q: What is a SWOT analysis used for?
A: To identify internal strengths and weaknesses, and external opportunities and threats
Q: Which motivation theory fits a flat tech company like Shopify?
A: McGregor Theory Y; transformation leadership
Q: Explain the main elements of either the Equity Theory or Reinforcement Theory
A: Equity Theory: People judge their motivation and satisfaction by comparing their
own inputs (effort, skills, time) and outcomes (pay, recognition) to those of
relevant others. If they perceive inequity, they’re motivated to restore balance—by
adjusting effort, seeking raises, changing referents, or even exiting.
Reinforcement Theory: Behaviour is shaped by its consequences: positive/negative
reinforcement increase the likelihood of a behaviour, while punishment and extinction
reduce it. Over time, consistent and well-timed consequences
(e.g., immediate praise or clear removal of rewards) condition which workplace
behaviours persist.
Q: Example of laisser-faire effectiveness?
A: When employees are highly skilled and self-motivated
(e.g., software engineers, research teams, hospitals)
Q: Which structure works best for innovative industries?
A: Matrix or cross-functional team structure — promotes flexibility and collaboration
Q: How does cultural diversity affect motivation strategies in Canada?
A:
Managers must adapt rewards, communication, and leadership to different cultural values and expectations