Masters Theses
Abstract
"A problem of growing concern in the United States deals with the poor results of the nation's businesses in terms of productivity. The U.S. is now suffering the worst decline in productivity in a generation. While part of this decline can be attributed to economic conditions, data indicates that the labor force could be more productive if it wanted to do so. A study has shown that 52% of all workers feel they aren't producing at full capacity. Alienation of the American worker is identified as one of the most important contributors to this problem.
Because it is often difficult to restructure jobs, it becomes necessary to look to some method of motivating workers to increase their productivity. A number of motivation theories have been proposed; the most important being: (1) Maslow's Theory, (2) Herzberg's Theory, (3) Need Gratification Theory, (4) Inequity Theory, (5) Intrinsic Motivation Theory, and (6) Expectancy Theory.
Several systems of compensation for industrial workers are currently being used in this country that attempt to incorporate the above theories, but few have met with a great deal of success. However, a new approach to the problem, non-cash incentives, holds promise as a partial solution to the productivity problem.
A study of workers in a plant using a non-cash incentive program shows a neutral attitude toward the program. Productivity results of that plant, however, show significant increases since implementation of the program
It is proposed that Maslow's Theory of Motivation and Expectancy Theory of motivation can be related to the non-cash incentive method. Workers' desires for certain bonus items can be related to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, while their methods of obtaining such bonuses can be related to Expectancy Theory.
In summary, the non-cash incentive program is recommended as an additional tool that can be used by management to increase worker productivity. While some problems are apparent with these programs, they have met with considerable success. In conclusion, it is proposed that such success well outweighs problems associated with the implementation of non-cash incentive programs"--Abstract, pages ii-iii.
Advisor(s)
Omurtag, Yildirim
Committee Member(s)
Ruffner, John
Cuthbertson, G. Raymond
Loesing, Vernon
Department(s)
Engineering Management and Systems Engineering
Degree Name
M.S. in Engineering Management
Publisher
University of Missouri--Rolla
Publication Date
1976
Pagination
ix, 116 pages
Note about bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 87-89).
Geographic Coverage
United States
Rights
© 1976 Daniel Franklin Cole, All rights reserved.
Document Type
Thesis - Open Access
File Type
text
Language
English
Subject Headings
Incentives in industry -- United States
Labor productivity -- Case studies
Industrial productivity -- Case studies
Thesis Number
T 4172
Print OCLC #
5988143
Link to Catalog Record
Recommended Citation
Cole, Daniel Franklin, "Non-cash incentives and worker motivation" (1976). Masters Theses. 3212.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/masters_theses/3212
Included in
Labor Economics Commons, Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering Commons