Checkpoint: Motivations and Teams Case Study The Mary Ellen Sheets study showed Maslow’s Needs Hierarchy Theory in action. By making her company mission statement “Treat everyone how you would want your Grandma to be treated”, she immediately brings the belongingness needs into view. It shows a strong cultural tie to family, and shows the supportive side of her as a leader. By franchising the company, she put the success in the hands of the owners, bringing the self-actualization and security needs to the front. By owning that part of the company, it gives the owners job security and (almost) complete control. To help ensure her franchises high performance, and to help with esteem needs, she gives pre-paid post cards with a simple five question survey to all customers, of which only 1% have been negative.
In the Siemens case study it is easy to see the prevalent motivation theory is the Expectancy Theory. As Kleinfeld was quoted when speaking to students at the University of Rhode Island, “Working hard earns the right to play hard.” By putting in the time and energy himself, he showed his employees the rewards that could be reaped. He had to convince them to work on days and at times that they had not done before. He made himself available at all time, and held 10 different positions within the company over a 17 year period. This showed the employees, and provided them with good reason to perform highly as hard work would be rewarded with new opportunities, raises, and