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9609 · 2.2.4

Motivation methods in practice: financial motivators, non-financial motivators — practice questions

Practice and worked examples for 9609 Motivation methods in practice: financial motivators, non-financial motivators. Short previews only — attempt the full question in MarkScheme against the official scheme.

Worked example 1

Retail chain wants to motivate store staff to improve customer service without large permanent wage rises. Recommend a motivation package.

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Financial (limited cost):

  • Team monthly bonus if store hits mystery-shopper score — shared success, small % of payroll.
  • Employee discount — low marginal cost, valued fringe benefit.

Non-financial:

  • Empowerment to resolve customer complaints up to $50 without manager — faster service, esteem.
  • Recognition scheme — employee of the month, visible board (esteem, Mayo social).

Evaluation: Avoid pure commission on sales — may push hard selling and damage customer orientation.

Worked example 2

A factory worker at 'Component Co.' is paid using a differential piece-rate system. The standard output is 200 components per week. The basic piece rate is $1.50 per component. For output exceeding the standard, a bonus rate of $1.80 per component is paid on the extra units. The worker also receives a fixed weekly attendance bonus of $50 if they work all 5 days. In one week, an employee, Maria, produced 240 components and had full attendance. Calculate her total weekly pay.

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Step 1: Calculate basic pay for standard output. This is the pay for the first 200 units at the standard rate. Calculation: 200 units × $1.50/unit = $300.00

Step 2: Calculate the number of bonus units. These are the units produced above the standard output. Calculation: 240 units (total) - 200 units (standard) = 40 bonus units

Step 3: Calculate the bonus pay for extra units. This is the pay for the bonus units at the higher rate. Calculation: 40 bonus units × $1.80/unit = $72.00

Step 4: Calculate total gross pay. This is the sum of the basic pay, the bonus pay, and the attendance bonus. Calculation: $300.00 (basic) + $72.00 (bonus) + $50.00 (attendance) = $422.00

Final Answer: Maria's total weekly pay is **422.00.422.00**.