Case Analysis: The Art of Motivation

Solution Preview

This is an original work and has not been previously published or shared with any other source. This work is to be treated as a guideline to assist you with this assignment. At no time is it intended to be a final submission work and I discourage you from using it as such. Points made and topics discussed in this work should be researched further and validated by the student prior to utilizing it in their own work which will be complied for final submission to their schools.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

While answering the specific questions below, please develop a case analysis.
1. How does Nucor's approach to motivation build on recommendations from Maslow's, Alderfer's, and McClelland's need theories? Explain.
2. To what extent are the hygiene factors and motivators influencing employee behavior at Nucor?
3. What role does equity theory play in this Case? Discuss.
4. To what extent is Nucor's approach to employee motivation consistent with expectancy theory? Explain.
5. What role does organizational culture play in this case?
6. Would it be easy for other companies to copy Nucor's approach to employee motivation? Why or why not?

__________________________________________________________________________________________________
CASE ANALYSIS:
The May 1, 2006 Business Week article entitled "The Art of Motivation" describes a company in the steel manufacturing industry, Nucor, that has utilized uncommon thinking and bold, innovative approaches to leadership and management to rise from an industry newcomer to the industry leader. The article discusses the company's approach to shifting the balance of 'real' power away from the "C-suites" and placing it at the front-lines of production in order to "nurture one of the most dynamic and engaged workforces around". The paper is based upon the information provided in the article and explores the connection between Nucor and some of the more well known theories of motivation in existence. The paper is divided into 3 primary sections: comparisons of motivation theory, the role of organizational culture within Nucor and the adaptability of Nucor's culture into other companies.

1. How does Nucor's approach to motivation build on recommendations from Maslow's, Alderfer's, and McClelland's need theories? Explain.

Although the various theories of motivation have differences between them on their points of actual application and order of hierarchical importance many similarities exist. In Maslow's theory of needs, motivation is driven by the existence of unsatisfied needs. These needs are placed in order of ...