SAQ – M2.2 Motivating the work team to perform
Short Answer Questions – M2.02 Motivating the work team to perform
Learner name: Verity
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Understand the organisations requirements in relation to individual performance
1. Explain one example of an organisation’s performance requirements in relation to
individual employees
(10 marks)
A performance requirement might include the completion of daily tasks, the
responsibility of supervising a team, the need to reach targets and the organisation
of resources, materials and stock. An organisation will have its own individual
performance requirements which will depend on the aims, objectives and culture
within the organisation. For instance a key performance requirement in retail will be
to reach sales targets and to perform daily tasks with an emphasis on customer
service as a priority. SWOT can be identified as a performance requirement and help
to improve business practice. Another practice which can identify and track
performance is KPIs (Key Performance Indicators). KPIs are used frequently within
organisations in order to facilitate the team to reach goals, targets and by working
on the individuals strengths and weaknesses the overall KPIs can be met.
2. Describe two indicators of underperformance within a team
(20marks)
Underperformance can be caused by either low motivation or low ability or a
combination of the two factors. A general culture of dissatisfaction and
unpleasantness pervades with a gradual decline in output and productivity.
Low ability may be associated with the following:
• Over-difficult tasks.
•Low individual aptitude, skill, and knowledge.
•Evidence of strong effort, despite poor performance.
•Lack of improvement over time.
People with low ability may have been poorly matched with jobs in the first place.
They may have been promoted to a position that's too demanding for them. Or
maybe they no longer have the support that previously helped them to perform well.
Underperformance is an issue which needs to be addressed immediately in order
prevent this from affecting other members in the team.
3. Explain the possible causes and actions that could be taken to rectify one of these areas
of underperformance
(20marks)
The setting of SMART goals to improve given areas, for example a goal can be set
to improve time management by prioritising tasks throughout the day.
Underperformance can be caused by both a lack of motivation and ability
(Performance= Motivation x Ability) which can be addressed by positive feedback (
© ILM SAQs February 2012
SAQ – M2.2 Motivating the work team to perform
OXO), training and development, inspirational mentoring, rewards, recognition for
achievement and an emphasis placed on positive work place behaviour.
Understand what motivates people
4. Describe one recognised theory of motivation
(30 marks)
Herzberg’s Two Factor Theory of motivation is an important theory in terms of
motivating people; this is because it identifies two factors which are hygiene factors
and motivator factors. Hygiene factors are basic needs which employees need to
function positively within their daily routines. These include: company policy/admin,
wages, salaries, quality of supervision, quality of inter-personal relations, working
conditions and feelings of job security. There are also motivator factors which
maintain performance and allow for progression, these factors include: status,
opportunity for advancement, gaining recognition, responsibility,
challenging/stimulating work and a sense of personal achievement and personal
growth in the job.
5. Using the theory identified in (4), describe two things that a team leader could do to
improve team members motivation at work
(20 marks)
A team leader could ensure that the employee has a chance to discuss their
grievance with him/her. In order to solve the problem the team leader needs to find
the root of the problem which could be just one factor or a combination of factors. A
team leader needs to address the employee’s ability and the factors of whether their
lack of motivation is to do with hygiene factors and motivator factors. The team
leader must discuss with the team member during a one to one discussion away
from the rest of the team and ask why the team member feels the way they do.
Sirota's Three-Factor Theory of Human Motivation in the Workplace is also an
interesting theory to look at when a team leader considers how best to improve
workers motivation, this is based on three fundamental principles:
1. The organization's goals are not in conflict with the workers' goals.
2. Workers have basic needs that organizations should try to meet.
3. Staff enthusiasm is a source of competitive advantage.
Learners must achieve at least 50% of marks available for each learning outcome. In some
instances learning outcomes may be covered by more than one question.
Learning outcome 1: Question 1
Learning outcome 2: Questions 2 and 3 combined
Learning outcome 3: Questions 4 and 5 combined
Assessor’s decision
Quality assurance use
Total marks
Outcome
(circle as applicable)
Total marks
Outcome
(circle as applicable)
Total 50 + overall, AND
minimum in each
section
PASS/REFERRAL
Total 50 + overall, AND
minimum in each
section
PASS/REFERRAL
Section referral if applicable:
Date of IQA check:
Name of assessor:
Name of IQA:
© ILM SAQs February 2012
SAQ – M2.2 Motivating the work team to perform
Assessor signature and date:
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Date externally verified (where applicable):
© ILM SAQs February 2012