Motivation Case Study

MOTIVATION AT BALD EAGLE SOFTWARE

Martin Blanchard, Vice President for Research and Development at Bald eagle Software, sat in his office staring at an urgent memo from his boss. Although the memo had been sent to all five of the company’s vice presidents, Blanchard assumed that there was something personal in it that had been directed to him.

The message was simple but intense: orders were skyrocketing, but there was also a shortage of personnel to handle the demands of the high-tech company’s rapid growth. “In short,” the note said, “productivity has to improve.”

For several minutes, Martin thought about his workers: was there a bad apple who wasn’t pulling his or her weight? Before long, he thought he knew who it was in his department who had inspired the memo.

Eager to take steps towards pleasing his boss, Martin buzzed his secretary, “Tell Hank Seaver I want to see him right away,” he said. When Hank arrived, Martin told his secretary to hold all calls during their meeting.

“There are some important things we need to discuss,” Martin began, drumming his fingers on his oak desk as Hank took a seat across from him. “First of all, I want to tell you that I’m giving the team leader position to Olga Richardson.”

“Really?” Hank replied, smiling. “That’s great! I’ll be sure to congratulate her.”

Martin raised his eyebrows.

“Do you understand what I’m saying, Hank? Olga has only been working here for six months, and she’s getting a raise and a promotion. You could have had that promotion if you had pushed yourself to earn it.”

Oh well,” Hank replied, shrugging in his easy-going way. “I really wouldn’t have wanted that job. If I got a promotion, I’d be stuck in an office with a pile of papers. I’d hate that. The best thing about my job is that I get to work with people. The guys in marketing – they’re the best; they really make me happy to come in every morning.”

Martin glared at Hank. “That’s another thing I want...