The consequences of having dissatisfied employees
Identify the consequences of having dissatisfied employees and describe ways of applying the four theories of job satisfaction and how you would use them to boost job satisfaction. Discuss how intrinsic and extrinsic motivation factors affect job satisfaction.
When answering consider how goals may help with job satisfaction and how to design jobs to enhance motivation.
Sample Solution
Dissatisfied employees can have a significant negative impact on an organization, including:
- Decreased productivity: Unhappy employees are less likely to be productive and may engage in behaviors such as absenteeism, tardiness, or reduced effort.
- Increased turnover: Dissatisfied employees may seek employment elsewhere, leading to higher turnover rates and increased costs associated with recruiting and training new staff.
Full Answer Section
- Poor customer service: Unhappy employees may provide poor customer service, leading to customer dissatisfaction and lost business.
- Negative company culture: Dissatisfied employees can contribute to a negative and toxic work environment, affecting morale and job satisfaction among other employees.
- Expectancy Theory: This theory suggests that employees are motivated to exert effort when they believe that their effort will lead to performance, performance will lead to rewards, and the rewards are valued. To boost job satisfaction, it's essential to create clear expectations, provide opportunities for performance, and offer rewards that are meaningful and valued by employees.
- Equity Theory: This theory suggests that employees compare their input-to-outcome ratio with that of others. To improve job satisfaction, it's important to ensure that employees perceive their compensation and rewards as fair and equitable.
- Goal-Setting Theory: This theory suggests that setting specific, challenging, and achievable goals can motivate employees. To boost job satisfaction, it's essential to set clear and measurable goals for employees and provide them with the necessary resources and support to achieve them.
- Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory: This theory suggests that there are two factors that influence job satisfaction: hygiene factors (prevent dissatisfaction) and motivators (promote satisfaction). To boost job satisfaction, it's essential to address hygiene factors (e.g., salary, working conditions) and provide opportunities for employees to experience motivators (e.g., recognition, achievement).