Please complete the following case studies. Apply the highlighted theories to the case study. Remember Peter Senge 5 disciplines.Midterm Case Study HSL 521 Theory and Design of Culturally Competent.doc
Midterm Case Study HSL 521 Theory and Design of Culturally Competent
Organizations
Name: ___________________________________
Discussion before Case Study: Managers of Human Services Agencies and Facilities must concern themselves with the performance levels of their employees, which tends to be affected by their individual motivation. There are many reasons for the rise and fall in employee motivation, but basically, the employee controls that motivation level. However, successful managers study motivational theories, and then use this knowledge to address the problem of motivation whenever it appears.
In this class we have looked at motivation through numerous theories, or lenses. Included in these theories are:
Five Factor Model of Personality Theory
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory
Reinforcement Theory
Expectancy Theory
Locus of Control Theory
Social Learning Theory
Self Efficacy theory
Attribution Theory
Organizational Justice Theory
Quality of Work Life theory
Total Quality Management Theory
Conservation of Resources Theory (COR)
1. To complete the case study, first read it, and describe the basic issues in the case study problem.
2. Then choose three of highlighted theories to use to analyze the motivational difficulty. In a minimum of two paragraphs for each theory, describe how the theory relates to the people in the case study.
3. Finally, in your concluding paragraphs describe the steps you would take to improve the employee’s performance, and support their growth in motivation.
The New Senior Services Department
About 18 months ago, Jess Johnson was appointed to direct a newly authorized and funded unit in the county’s Dept. of Human Services. Shortly thereafter, she interviewed and hired five new employees to staff the unit. The name of the unit is Service Outreach for Seniors. Its purpose is to coordinate services for the vulnerable elderly. This is Jess’s first supervisory position.
Susan Jones is one of the new employees hired by Jess. Initially, she was very productive, enthusiastic, and industrious. She had taken the initiative to work closely with several prominent private service providers to ensure their cooperation and involvement in the new program. Susan had also done a terrific job of producing publications and other materials describing the goals of the unit and explaining the services to the elderly. But after this initial spurt of activity and enthusiasm, Susan has become a less-than-ideal employees, in Jess’s estimation.
Within six months of her hiring, she developed what Jess considers to be poor work habits (example: long lunches and coffee breaks, tardiness, absenteeism). Susan demonstrates little interest in or enthusiasm for her work. Although she generally accomplishes, at least in a minimal manner, those tasks that are directly assigned to her, she rarely volunteers ideas or takes initiative. From Jess’s perspective, employees who take initiative and demonstrate creativity are critical in helping the unit to establish itself politically and to create a service where none had existed before.
Jess has met with Susan alone to discuss her dissatisfaction with Susan’s performance. Being a matter-of-fact person, Jess simply told her that her work was not up to par and that she expected her to improve. For a week or two things seemed to get better. But the same problems quickly resurfaced.
The other four employees are doing well. They have what Jess considers good work habits; they usually are on time and are willing to work hard to help the new unit succeed. They seem to be eager to do well. She can count on them to complete assigned tasks and meet deadlines. Each of them, in his or her own way, also has demonstrated a willingness to go above and beyond to make positive suggestions for improving the operations and services of the unit.
But the problems with Susan, are starting to drag down the morale of the unit. Jess has not talked to Susan in several weeks, because she has not been able to figure out what to say.
1. Describe the basic problem Jess is having with Susan.
2. Theory A:
2. Theory B:
2. Theory C:
3. What Strategy should Jess use?