InfoTrac Exercises

Chapter 12 Motivation in Organizations

1. Mind Games: Psyched >> Among top athletes, the winning edge often comes as much from the brain as the body. Scientists are figuring out why. (Society)

Sharon Begley
Full Text: COPYRIGHT 2000 Newsweek, Inc. All rights reserved.
Newsweek, Sept 25, 2000 p60
Record: A65303550

Abstract: Visualization by athletes has been noted to be a significant contributor to perfect performance. A number of researchers and athletes document the advantages associated with visualization and that mental practice can actually increase real-world strength and performance.

1. How do you mentally prepare for an important sporting event or verbal presentation?
2. How can a manager help their employees to improve their performance through visualization?
3. From the material in Chapter 12, outline a multiple-step plan for improving performance in an organization.

2. Reaching My Goal of Having No Life Plan; When I stopped worrying about where I'd be in the future, I started getting the most out of today

Matthew Wolfe
Full Text: COPYRIGHT 2007 Newsweek, Inc.
Newsweek, June 25, 2007 p18
Record: A165293680

Abstract: A cynical account of missed opportunity, underachievement and general malaise of a life interspersed with goal making that never came to fruition – aka the modern worker.

1. As a manager, how would you attempt to motivate an employee like the author of this article?
2. How do you motivate yourself to complete a difficult task?
3. What is your personal planning horizon – one week, one month, one year, five years, twenty years? Compare with your class members.
4. Do you believe that your life is overscheduled? How do you strive for balance in your life?