M/s Zeman Ltd. deals in consumer goods. It employs 100 workers and 10 operative managers who give guidance and support to the workers while operating the machinery. The company has a policy of granting leave as per the requirements of the workers. Workers are generally granted leave on festivals and special occasions. Recently, at the Puja festival, it received a big order. Workers were keen to take Puja holidays while management was pressing hard for overtime. This matter was placed before the Personnel Manager, who called the meeting of operative managers by circulating a circular among the operative managers. Operative managers were told to inform the workers about the changes in the incentive plan which states payment of double wages for working overtime and triple wages for working on holidays. Workers, without any pressure, voluntarily took limited holidays and were able to increase their earnings by working overtime and on holidays. During the Board of Directors meeting, the Personnel Manager was asked to update the management to achieve higher output, meeting timely supplies without any confrontation with workers. The personnel manager replied, “I just used a carrot with a no-sticks approach”.
Which element of directing is highlighted majorly in the line, “Operative managers were told to inform the workers about the changes in the incentive plan which states payment of double wages for working overtime and triple wages for working on holidays.”?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Motivation
Option (1) Informal communication — Incorrect. The message went through a circular and a meeting called by the Personnel Manager, which is the official channel, so it is formal. In any case, what is being told matters more here than how.
Option (2) Motivation — Correct. The workers were told of an incentive plan: double wages for overtime and triple wages for holidays. Motivation is the process of stirring people to act towards the desired goal. The extra pay made them want to work more.
Option (3) Leadership — Incorrect. Leadership is influencing the behaviour of people through the leader’s personal relations with them. The line is about a money reward offered to them.
Option (4) Supervision — Incorrect. Supervision is overseeing the work of subordinates on the job. It is not the offer of a reward.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Motivation: Motivation means incitement or inducement to act or move. In the context of an organisation, it means the process of making subordinates to act in a desired manner to achieve certain organisational goals.” “(ii) Motivation: Motivation is the process of stimulating people to action to accomplish desired goals. Motivation depends upon satisfying needs of people.” “(iii) Motivators: Motivator is the technique used to motivate people in an organisation. Managers use diverse motivators like pay, bonus, promotion, recognition, praise, responsibility etc., in the organisation to influence people to contribute their best.” |