| For well over a century researchers and managers have looked far and wide to find the hidden formula for motivating workers. Although nearly everybody can be motivated by something, most managers realize that there is no one best strategy for motivating all of the people they manage. In addition, sometimes there is a heavy financial cost associated with motivating employees that managers are not always able to pay. The challenge then for most managers is to identify creative, cost-effective motivational strategies that will reap profitable rewards, not only for the employees but also for the company. Some surprising strategies for motivating employees can be found on the Internet. Bob Nelson is the author of two very practical books about motivation: 1001 Ways to Reward Employees and 1001 Ways to Energize Employees. He has a blog and writes informative articles regarding strategies that managers and others in organizations can use to enhance employee motivation through various reward and recognition systems. One site that contains his articles is connected to Inc. Magazine. Read three articles of your choice on motivating employees in tech organizations. (If you use a Nelson article, make sure the other two have different authors.) In Discussion Forum 4, post a one-paragraph summary of each article along with full source information. In your summaries, please note: some of the key strategies outlined in each article for motivating employees; and how these strategies apply motivation theory to workplace situations, especially technology-based workplaces. Your summaries are your response to this discussion question. One purpose of this discussion activity is to help you identify specific strategies that can be used by firms to motivate and energize their employees. A second purpose is to share practical information about what companies are doing to motivate, reward, and demonstrate appreciation for their employees. |
