Motivation of Work

School of Management and Economics
December 2006
Motivation to work
- differences between managers and workers
-Bachelor Thesis-
Tutor: Authors:
Pernilla Nilsson Elna Hägglund 840912
Examiner: Sofie Palmqvist 830905
Pernilla Nilsson
Abstract
While studying management we realised that most of the already existing theories discuss
motivation to work from a general perspective. Therefore we found it interesting to
investigate motivation on a deeper level.
“Motivation to work – differences between managers and workers”
The research questions for our thesis are, is there a difference in motivation between
managers and workers? If so, what is the difference between the two? The purpose is to
examine if a manager and a worker have shared understandings and common factors of
what motivates them, or if certain characteristics can be distinguished. For our research
we have chosen to use three companies operating within the financial sector in Sweden.
Moreover, the chosen companies are located nearby which gives us the opportunity to
visit them and to accomplish face to face conversations.
We have interviewed two persons at each company, whereby one has the position of a
manager and the other has the position of a worker. Moreover, the method of our
interviews are qualitative, mostly due to the fact that we wanted create a comfortable
feeling for the interviewee and to so that we could get deep insight of what motivates that
person.
We have studied old famous theories regarding motivation to work, we have also found
more recent research about the subject. Especially in journals and financial databases, to
get as updated information as possible. The theoretical framework has been useful to us
in two ways, to get a foundation so that we could accomplish interviews with thought
1
worthy questions. The second reason was to be able to interpret and analyse the collected
material.
To a certain point we mention the similarities in motivation to work between a worker

and a manager, however our main focus in our thesis are the differences. We have
analysed the perspective of how they feel about their work and their possibility towards
advancement. All our interviewees have a great interest for their work and the financial
line of business, moreover, the managers are satisfied with their positions and the
workers are satisfied at the moment but would like to advance in the future.
The most important interview questions in our study are, is it important for you to get
rewards for your performance? What factors are motivating to you? The outcomes of our
answers differ between the managers and the workers. Furthermore, we have used
Herzberg, Vroom and other theories presented in our study to be able to strengthen our
argument. Indeed, the more resent articles have been helpful to us while interpreting the
collected material.
We have found answers to our research questions, there are differences in motivation to
work between managers and workers. Money is a great motivator for the workers, and
working climate, recognition and free time are the essential factors for the managers. We
have also reached the conclusion that people always strive for more. In our case the
workers want more tangible rewards and material benefits and on the contrary the
managers desire non material factors as family and free time.
2
Acknowledgement
First of all we would like to say that writing our thesis has made us grow
as individuals. Moreover, we have gained useful knowledge regarding
motivation to work, and management in total. When conducting the
interviews we also sensed a connection with working life, and the thought
of us soon working is not as unfamiliar anymore. We would like to say
thank you to,
Our interviewees, Marie Andersson, Christel Frick, Michael

Granstrand, Peter Ljung, Olof Carlander & Jacob Larsson.
Friends and family, which have given us their support during this
time.
To our supervisor, Pernilla Nilsson and our opposition group,
Tobias Kopp, Sandra Bachinger and Marco Jacome, who have
given us feed back and ideas during our research.
Växjö December 2006
Sofie Palmqvist Elna Hägglund
3
Table of contents
INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................... 7
1.1 BACKGROUND .......................................................................................................... 7

1.2 PROBLEM DISCUSSION............................................................................................... 8
1.3 RESEARCH QUESTION ............................................................................................... 9
1.4 PURPOSE ................................................................................................................... 9
1.5 LIMITATIONS ............................................................................................................ 9
METHODOLOGY......................................................................................................... 11
2.1 RESEARCH JOURNEY ............................................................................................... 11

2.2 PRE- UNDERSTANDING ........................................................................................... 13
2.3 SCIENTIFIC APPROACH ........................................................................................... 14
2.4 RESEARCH STRATEGY ............................................................................................. 15
2.5 RESEARCH METHOD................................................................................................ 17
2.6 DATA COLLECTION................................................................................................. 18
2.7 QUALITY OF RESEARCH .......................................................................................... 19
THEORY ......................................................................................................................... 21
3.1 OLD FAMOUS THEORIES.......................................................................................... 21

3.1.1 Thoughts about motivation .............................................................................. 21
3.1.2 Dual- factor theory .......................................................................................... 22
3.1.3 Vroom’s perspective......................................................................................... 24
3.1.4 Perspective of McClelland............................................................................... 26
3.2 RECENT RESEARCH ................................................................................................. 27
3.2.1 Money as primary motivator............................................................................ 27
3.2.2 Incentive motivators......................................................................................... 28
3.2.3 Manager motivation......................................................................................... 29
EMPIRICAL RESEARCH............................................................................................ 31
4.1 LÄNSFÖRSÄKRINGAR KRONOBERG ........................................................................ 31
4
4.1.1 Interview with Finance- and IT Director......................................................... 31
4.1.2 Interview with salesperson............................................................................... 33
4.2 SEB.........................................................................................................................
34
4.2.1 Interview with customer service manager ....................................................... 35
4.2.2 Interview with salesman in customer service................................................... 36
4.3 VÅGEN FÖRSÄKRINGSBYRÅ AB ............................................................................. 37
4.3.1 Interview with company director ..................................................................... 38
4.3.2 Interview with insurance broker ...................................................................... 39
ANALYSIS ...................................................................................................................... 41
5.1 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................... 41

5.2 WORKER AND MANAGER ANALYSIS........................................................................ 42
5.2.1 Possibility to affect decisions........................................................................... 42
5.2.2 Working climate ............................................................................................... 43
5.2.3 Discussion regarding benefits.......................................................................... 44
5.3 ASPECTS OF MOTIVATION ...................................................................................... 45
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................. 48
6.1 DIFFERENCES IN MOTIVATION ................................................................................ 48
REFERENCES................................................................................................................ 50
APPENDIX ..................................................................................................................... 52
5
Table of figures
Figure 2.1 our research journey .......................................................................................... 12
Figure 2.2 inductive strategy ............................................................................................... 15
Figure 2.3 deductive strategy............................................................................................... 16
Figure 2.4 production and use of theory.......................................................................... 16
Figure 3.1 Herzberg’s dual-factor theory ........................................................................ 23
Figure 3.2 Vroom’s expectancy theory.............................................................................. 25
6
-Motivation to work- Introduction
Introduction
I n the introduction chapter we would like to present our subject to the reader
and create an interest to continue reading. Furthermore, the focus of our
research is to find out if a difference could be found between a worker and a
manager regarding motivation to work. If one will occur, we will present and
describe it in the best possible way.
1.1 Background
If one takes a moment and reflects upon motivation, how would human beings behave if
we lost it? Motivation plays an important role in everything we do, by our selves or
together as a group. In addition, without motivation it would be hard for people to go to
work, pick up the daily groceries, and even spend time with friends and family.
Furthermore, motivation to work is of great importance to us since we spend a lot of our
time working in organizations.1
We believe that people spend different amounts of hours at our work depending on what
career we have chosen. Possible underlying factors to career choice are what motivates a
person and how they value their time. If one chose a demanding career the person has
more obligations to work than one who is working in a non- demanding position.
Moreover, the view of work and private life is being looked upon with new insight.
Nowadays the boundaries have widened, and work and private life are more connected to
1Michael W. Drafke and Stan Kossen., The Human Side of Organizations (Massachusetts:
Addison/Wesley, 1998), p.2-12
7
each other than before. Whereas, in the past when one left their workplace the person had
less obligations or responsibility against the company2; as Karl Marx once stated
“Freedom begins at the gates of the factory”3. Today, people often bring their work
home as well as colleagues socialize outside work.4
Furthermore, the importance of motivation to work has been stressed, and plays a
noticeable role in organizations. The issue is much debated and a lot of research has been
done in the subject in recent time. Motivation is one of the few factors that have an
impact on everything we do and experience, for example with our work, family, friends
and, of course, the basic needs.5
1.2 Problem discussion
As mentioned earlier, motivation is crucial for organizations to function, without

motivated employees no one would make an effort to work and the company’s
performance would be less efficient. While studying management we found out that most
of the theories regarding motivation focus upon employees in general and do not reflect
on specific positions. On the contrary, we think that there might be a noticeable
difference in motivation between diverse levels of employees. We are curious to know
whether the old school theorists have taken this fact into consideration or if it has been
overlooked during time.
Moreover, general and well-known theories pay a great attention to human needs
whereby self- actualization and job satisfaction are the dominant reasons for people to be
motivated to work. Other theories concerning the question what is the factor behind
motivation focus mostly on money. Their argument is that without payment no one would
go to work. Our opinion is that there must be more underlying causes to motivation than
money, at least when discussing managers.
2 Karl Weick., Making sense of the Organization (Malden: Blackwell Publishing, 2006), 207-210
3 Robert Tucker., The Marx-Engels reader (New York: Norton, 1978), p.440
4 Weick, p. 207-210
5 Victor H. Vroom., Work and Motivation (San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Inc., 1995), p.9-11
8
In addition, what catches our interest is the difference between a manager and a worker,
where we think of the manager as a person in a leading position who has responsibility
over others as well as towards the organization. Whereby the worker is a person working
in a lower position in the organizational hierarchy, and therefore does not have the same
task or responsibility.
1.3 Research question

Is there a difference in motivation between manager and worker?
If so, what is the difference between the two?
1.4 Purpose
The purpose of our research is to clarify whether a difference in motivation to work
between manger and worker exists or not. We are thrilled to discover if diverse factors
motivate the two or if they have shared understandings and common factors. To be able
to present a clear picture we will find suitable theories on the topic of motivation. The
theories will help us to interpret and analyse the collected data.
Continuously, we will accomplish carefully planned interviews with workers as well as

managers in different companies to get the individual perspective. We would like to get
in touch with different organisations to get an objective picture, which will not be
influenced by a single company’s surroundings. Moreover, we think that it is important to
notice that if a difference will be discovered it might be important to take it into
consideration in future organisational behaviour.
1.5 Limitations
In our research some limitations had to be done to make it more understandable and to be
able to carry the research through. Due to limited time and space, we have decided to use
three companies, we are aware the selection is not representative for the whole
9
population. To collect our empirical data and conduct interviews we have chosen both a
manager and a worker. Moreover, the study will be accomplished in a local perspective,
so the opportunity to make face-to-face interviews is possible, and by doing that we will
also have the time to carefully interpret and analyse the collected material.
Our definition of a manager is a person with a leading position in an organisation who is

for example a department manager with several direct reports. On the other hand, the
worker has a lower position within the company and has not as much responsibility as the
manager. We are well aware that differences between genders could occur, however this
will not be investigated in this study.
Moreover, we concentrated our research on the private sector, where occupations within
that area are being used, where the public sector would not be included. Finally, we
would like to stress that we will not reflect upon the aspect of voluntary work, instead
work will be defined as a role in the organisation whereby a salary is received by an
individual.
10
-Motivation to work- Methodology
Methodology
T
he methodology chapter will provide you as a reader with a description of
our way of writing our thesis regarding choices of method and approaches.
Theoretical and empirical frameworks are being discussed as well as reliability
and validity of our study. Moreover, we will describe how, when and what will be
done.
2.1 Research journey

When we started to think about an appropriate topic for our research, motivation was the
first thing that came to our mind. We are both very interested in management, and
motivation plays a significant role in organisations and work in general. Furthermore, we
want to discover if a difference exists regarding motivation to work between a worker
and a manager. As displayed in figure 2.1 we have created a time schedule that shows the
journey of our research. After deciding the topic and writing the introduction we will start
to find relevant literature, such as existing theories by well- known authors as well as
more contemporary articles referring to motivation to work.
When the methodology is completed it is natural to start to contact possible companies

that would be suitable for our empirical framework. Our objective is to use companies
which operate within the financial sector and also use more than one company to create a
wider picture of what motivates people. Moreover we will, were it is possible, interview
managers and workers within the same company. Our data collection will be of
importance for us to understand the difference in motivation between the two.
11
The theories that we find useful and worthy to use in our research will help us to analyse
and interpret the information that we have collected from the interviews. We are inspired
to find out if there are some aspects that distinguish the manager and the worker. These
will be presented in our final conclusion. We hope our work and findings will create a
curiosity and contribute to further research in the subject.
TIME ACTIVITY
October 16 Finding a topic

- Discussing research question
November 6 Writing the introduction
November 7 Adjusting introduction

- Searching for theories in books and articles
November 23 Writing the methodology
Reflect upon interviews
Writing theoretical framework
November 24 Continuing with theoretical part

- Establish contact with chosen organizations
December 7 Conducting interview
Writing empirical chapter and analysis
December 8 Reflect upon the empirical chapter

- Continuing with analysis
December 20 Describe the findings of our thesis
Final touch
December 21
- Preparing final presentation
January 10
Figure 2.1 our research journey
12
2.2 Pre- understanding

It is important to have a pre- understanding when one would like to interpret and
understand the collected material. The definition of pre- understanding is previous
knowledge about the subject, and experiences from the field that one is investigating. A
person’s experience can derive from both personal and working life, and from others
through books, reports and lectures.6 Although, it is important to have a pre-
understanding and one has to be open for new information and interpretation.7
Taking all of this into consideration, we would like to present our pre-understanding
regarding management and motivation. The two authors have the same academic
background, both attending the international business program, and have taken the same
previous courses. We have chosen the path of management and have therefore expanded
our knowledge within the area. Previously, studied basic organization theories as well as
more rethinking courses which have taught us the value of questioning and reflecting
upon the information given to us.
One of the authors has studied psychology on university level and we feel that that
knowledge will also contribute to our research. Motivation also plays an important role in
psychology and in order to accomplish something we depend on motivation. Moreover, it
can be useful knowledge when we interpret and analyse the gathered information. We
feel all our previous knowledge will be advantageous for us to carry out good ideas and
usable arguments for the conclusion.
6 Evert Gummesson., Qualitative methods in management research (California: Sage Publications,

Inc.,2000), p.57-67
7 Gummesson, p.81
13
2.3 Scientific approach

First of all, in science one has to investigate “what are the interesting research problems
and which methodological approach can be used to tackle them?”8 There are two
different characteristics within scientific approach, positivistic and hermeneutic which are
two different ways of conducting a research.
The positivistic perspective focuses upon description and explanation in small and
structured studies. Moreover, the researcher often tries to be objective and wants to treat
facts and findings separately. In addition, the researcher is more of an external observer,
and prefers not to be involved, instead he or she tries to keep a distance to the project.
Lastly, the positivistic perspective pays attention to statistic and mathematical
measurement of the quantitative collected data.
On the contrary, the hermeneutic perspective contemplates on understanding and

interpretation of the research. This type of study allows the researcher to be more
involved, and play the role of an actor instead of an observer, and to be able to interpret
the data in an experienced way. The study can be both specific, definite and it can also
generate generalisation, it can be hard to distinguish between facts and understanding.
The researchers are able to consider feelings and are in this case more subjective.
Moreover, pre-understanding can be difficult to explain and communicate to others but it
plays a significant role for the research. In the end, the data collection is often done with
a qualitative approach.9
In our thesis the hermeneutic perspective is more appropriate to apply due to the fact that
we want to investigate if a difference could be found between a manager and a worker.
Continuously, we want to be a part of our study to be able to interpret the
8 Gummesson, p.18
9 Gummesson, p.175-179
14
findings in an active way. We also think that it is of great importance to use qualitative
data collection to get the appropriate answer to our questions.
2.4 Research strategy

It is important for the researcher to decide what kind of research strategy he or she should
use, “there are two ways of establishing what is true or false and to draw conclusions:
induction and deduction.”10 In the inductive strategy the researcher tries to create general
conclusions, where the theory is the result of the study. However, these conclusions could
not be one hundred percent certain due to the reason that they are generated from
empirical data.
OBSERVATIONS FINDINGS THEORY BUILDING
Figure 2.2 inductive strategy 11
The research process begins with data collection and observations that lead to findings
from which a theory can be developed, as shown in figure 2.2.
On the other hand, the deduction strategy relies on logical reasoning and develops
hypotheses from already published material.12 The starting positions in this case are
theories, concepts and models, where they are being used to explain the collected data as
well as the studied phenomenon as shown in figure 2.3. This type of strategy is often used
when the researcher test the theories in practice, and adopt quantitative studies.
10 Pervez Ghauri and Kjell Grönhaug., Research methods in business studies (Harlow: Pearson Education
Limited, 2005), p. 14-15
11 Adapted from Ghauri, p.15
12
Ghauri, p. 15
15
THEORY OBSERVATION FINDINGS
Figure 2.3 deductive strategy13
Finally the abovementioned strategies are usually combined as one, abductive strategy.
Additionally it is substantial to see the abductive strategy as a mixture of both and not as
a new strategy. In our research we will use the combination, the underlying reasons is
that theory will be presented before collecting data, and when collecting it we will use
qualitative data.14
KNOWLEDGE (”THEORY”)
(2)
Theories/models (1)
Concepts
Methods/techniques
Facts
Observations/ Problem
assumptions
Figure 2.4 production and use of theory15
Withal, figure 2.4 shows two ways of structuring and working with a research, we will
use the first way (1) and not the second way, which is influenced by inductive strategy. In
the first way the researchers use existing knowledge to be able to structure the research
problem, and to know which facts are relevant and should be considered. To create an
13 Adapted from Ghauri, p15

14 Gummesson, p.64
15
Ghauri, p.37
16
understandable investigation it is important to have a theoretical base to present concept,

valuable theories and previous work.16
2.5 Research method

Firstly, when one decides the study design of the research one has to take into
consideration that it would be a good idea if the research is created in a way suitable of
one’s personality, skills and knowledge.17 Moreover, there are two methods, quantitative
and qualitative, where one is not better than the other, it all depends on how the
researcher would like to conduct the study.18
Quantitative method is categorized by being scientific where the researcher often uses
mathematical and statistical surveys to investigate the phenomenon. Here the focus is to
explain cause and affect relationships (why things happen) and to be able to test if the
hypothesis is applicable in reality.19 The measurements, scales, tests and questionnaires,
are very controlled and the conclusion often results in a generalisation of the population.
The researcher is seen as an outsider, and keeps a distance and an objective view of the
research.20
In contrast, the qualitative method is often pigeonholed by the fact that one wants to
understand people and how they experience their reality. Qualitative researchers
investigate different parts of the context to create a visible whole. In addition, this
procedure often requires fieldwork, description and discovery of the meaning of the
hypothesis, where the researcher plays an active role to collect the information.21 The
data is retrieved from interviews and observations, where generalisation is made by
16 Ghauri, p.36-37
17 Sharan B. Merriam., Qualitative Research and Case Study Applications in Education (Hoboken: John
Wiley and Sons, Inc., 1998), p.1
18
Ghauri, p.109
19 Ib Andersen., Den uppenbara verkligheten (Lund: Studentlitteratur, 1998), p.31
20
Ghauri, p.110
21 Merriam, p.5-9
17
comparing individuals. The researcher is a part of the action, and is perceived as an

insider which is subjective in one’s judgement.22
The method of our research will be qualitative, where we will try to discover what factors
distinguish the manager and worker concerning motivation to work and we will also try
to understand the behaviour. We have chosen this orientation due to the reason that we
will not question existing theory about motivation, use experiments, or measure different
outcomes. Withal, the purpose of a qualitative study is to review and interpret the already
existing theories or writings concerning the subject, and thereby creating a dialogue
between accomplished studies. To us it is of great importance to explore already written
theories regarding motivation to be able to contribute with new ideas.
2.6 Data collection

There are two main procedures to collect relevant data, theoretical and empirical.
Theoretical refers to secondary data, which are collected by others where the purpose of
that data might distinguish from our work. On the other hand, empirical data is primary,
which the writers of the thesis collect directly to investigate the specific problem.23
Theoretical data will be used to understand and interpret our research question, and it
will help us to “broaden the base from which scientific conclusion can be drawn.”24 This
type of information consists of books, historical studies, articles and online-data, which
need to be reviewed to see if they are useful and reliable sources. To find suitable
information we have used Växjö University’s resources and its literature concerning
motivation and existing theories within the subject.
Moreover, we have found scientific articles in ELIN database, which will be useful to us
to get updated information. There are advantages with using secondary data, primarily to
save time and money. Additionally, the theoretical data provides us with an international
22 Ghauri, p.109-110
23
Ghauri, p. 91
24
Ghauri, p.95
18
point of view, since we have adapted theories from different authors from different
countries.25
Empirical data is collected in favour of our research, with questions and objectives. This
information will help us to find the underlying behaviour for motivation. It is important
to carefully plan and decide which persons and organisations should be involved in the
study to get an accurate picture of the reality.26 We will use deep interviews with both
managers and workers to get both perspectives on motivation. Furthermore, we will use
organisations operating within the same line of business so that the research will be
applicable not only on one specific company but also in a wider range of organisations.
Furthermore, so that the findings from the interviews will not be influenced by a specific
organisation. The companies we have chosen for our thesis are bank and insurance
companies, Länsförsäkringar Kronoberg, SEB and Vågen Försäkringsbyrå.
2.7 Quality of research

When conducting research it is of great importance that the material is valid and reliable,
the reader must be able to trust the hypothesis and the findings that are being presented.
When talking about validity and reliability in qualitative research one has to take ethical
aspect in consideration to make a fair judgement. To test the trustworthiness and
credibility of a research there are three different categories, to judge the quality one uses
internal-, external validity and reliability.
Internal validity is how the findings of our thesis match reality, and if we as the authors
measure the things that are aimed to measured. Moreover, the reality in qualitative
research is an on-going processes, it always changes, due to the fact that what is being
studied is how people understand the world. According to Merriam there are six
strategies to develop internal validity. The first one is triangulation, which emphasizes on
multiple sources and methods to strengthen the outcome. Next, are member checks,
25 Ghauri, p.91-97
26 Ghauri, p.102-105
19
where one should allow the interviewed persons to read the findings to make sure that the
researchers have interpreted the material correctly.
Following with long term observation, where the researcher should observe the
phenomenon for a longer time to ensure that the findings are not temporary. Moreover,
Merriam suggest peer examination, where colleagues could give feedback to the collected
material. Continuously, participatory or collaborative modes of research are being
mentioned, to allow people to participant throughout the study. Lastly, is researcher’s
bias, where the aim is to make the researchers’ assumptions visible.27
External validity is primarily about reusing the findings in other situations, if it is

possible to generalize the results of the study. To develop the result from a qualitative
study in external way different strategies can be used. Starting with rich, thick
description, where one should provide much material so the readers can decide if their
situation matches the research. Additionally, typicality or modal category is to make a
detailed description of the studied phenomenon so that it can be compared with other
categories. Finally, multisite designs where the researcher uses as much information and
data collection as possible so the reader can use the result in other situations.
Another aspect that must be considered is reliability, where the findings from a research
with same studied phenomenon, should reach the same conclusion, independent of the
researcher. However, when it comes to qualitative studies, which we are using in our
thesis, the reliability is hard to define though human behaviour is investigated. Moreover,
it can be hard to segregate and it could be explained by “researchers seek to describe and
explain the world as those in the world experience it.”28
27 Merriam, p. 198-205
28 Merriam, p. 205
20
-Motivation to work- Theory
Theory
W
e have deepened our knowledge on previous written theories regarding
motivation to work, as well as more contemporary research in the subject.
Moreover, we have selected the ones that are suitable for our study, and they are
presented in this chapter. To discover their content and actual say about
motivation will be helpful for us to interpret and analyse our collected data.
3.1 Old famous theories
3.1.1 Thoughts about motivation

If one takes a moment and think about how people spend their time during waken hours,
one will realize that people spend most of their time at work.29 Furthermore, working is a
part of almost anything one does, and the definition of work is individual. Going deeper
into the characterization it can be viewed in two ways, one as play where the play itself
does not have a certain purpose, on the contrary as work, which has a distinct purpose.
Money is a significant factor when discussing whether something is work or play, if one
is getting paid it will be considered work and if not, it will be referred to as play. Money
or salary is often seen as an external reward which one receives for performing work.
Continuing, a person will experience internal rewards as enjoyment, sense of
achievement when playing. Another aspect of work and play could be the individuals
attitude to the task they are performing, if one considers oneself to be working one will
perceive it as no more than work and vice versa.30
29 Frederick Herzberg et al., Motivation to work (New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1959), p.3
30 Drafke, p.9-10
21
3.1.2 Dual- factor theory

In 1959 Herzberg, Mausner and Snyderman processed a research concerning motivation
to work. They chose similar companies situated in Pittsburgh Industry area, they
interviewed approximately 200 engineers and accountants working for those
companies.31 The theory developed from this research concerns hygiene factors, which
are necessary for the employee to experience but do not motivate them to work. The
explanation for hygiene factors could be a person’s relationship with the environment in
which one operates.32
Furthermore, hygiene factors are not associated with the work itself but arouse bad
feelings regarding the work situation.33 Herzberg and his colleagues found common
aspects that characterize the hygiene factors;
Company policy and administration: companies’ norms and values

Supervision- technical: one’s relationship with managers
Salary: all compensations as well as rewards, bonus systems
Interpersonal relations: all relationships within a company
Working conditions: physical conditions and equipment for performing work34
All of these factors only create short term changes in the job attitude, where the short
term is defined as a maximum of two weeks. The other angle of the theory refers to
motivators, which are directly connected to one’s performance. The motivators create a
need for personal growth as well as self-actualization within work.35
31 Herzberg, p.30-33
32 D.S. Pugh., Organization Theory (England: Penguin Books, 1990), p. 376-378
33 Herzberg, p.113
35 Pugh, p.376-378
22
Achievement: solutions to problem, confirmation, appreciation of one’s work

Recognition: to be seen by others in the organization
Work itself: doing the job
Responsibility: own work, others work and be given new responsibility
Advancement: change in status or position36
In addition, if the factors called work itself, responsibility and advancement change the
outcome would be a change of attitude for a lasting time. Herzberg claims that a lasting
time is a time span of years. 37
As shown in figure 3.1 one can see how the different approaches are divided, where some
of them categorizes under hygiene and motivator depending on their job dissatisfaction or
satisfaction.
Hygiene factors in job context Motivator factors in job content

affect job dissatisfaction affect job satisfaction
Organizational policies Achievement

Quality of supervision Recognition
Working conditions Work itself
Base wage or salary Responsibility
Relationship with peers Advancement
Relationship with subordinates Growth
Status
Security
High Job Dissatisfaction 0 Job Satisfaction High
Figure 3.1 Herzberg’s dual-factor theory 38
37
Pugh, p.376
38 John R. Schermerhorn et al., Organizational Behavior (New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2005),
p.125
23
3.1.3 Vroom’s perspective

Victor H. Vroom is a professor of organization and management, he has performed much
research within that field and he has presented many books and articles.39 Moreover,
Vroom has founded the theory called expectancy theory, which is a cognitive model that
focuses upon motivation to work. The theory pays attention to how one behaves in a
certain way to avoid pain and gain as much pleasure as possible.40Furthermore, people
become motivated when they experience high likelihood that managers and colleagues
acknowledge their work. In addition, one would also like to be rewarded for one’s
performance and it is of high importance that the reward is tangible and positive.
Vroom uses a formula to calculate the level of motivation: M = (E) x (I) x (V). Where E
is the abbreviation of expectancy, I stands for instrumentality and V is the shortening for
valance.41 People chose among different behaviour, which result in possible outcomes
from our actions. One measures the different outcomes of one’s actions to find the best
possible action that creates most pleasure.42
Expectancy: if a person feels that the task effort can be accomplished one can imagine
the expected outcome. One can also describe it as a particular action which leads to a
particular outcome.
Instrumentality: if one increases one’s performance at work it will result in better

outcome, such as increased bonus. Vroom refers to the phenomenon as outcome-outcome
association.
39 Vroom, p.xxix
40
Vroom, p.31
41 Schermerhorn, p.127
42 Eugene McKenna., Business Psychology and Organisational Behaviour (East Sussex: Psychology Press,
2001), p.106
24
Valance: the different outcome has different values depending on the person. One might
desire something that another person does not desire and vice versa.43
The expectancy theory is a very logical and easy understood model as shown in figure
3.2, it make sense that people cannot be motivated by things they do not want, and that
people will be motivated by thing they hunger for. Moreover, the theory is applicable
with other well-known motivation to work theories. No matter of what the motivator is
(money, achievement, status) people must want it and believe they can achieve it. 44
to achieve and realize

People exert task work-related
work effort performance outcomes
Expectancy Instrumentality Valance
Select capable Clarify possible Identify needs

workers, train rewards for and match
them, support performance, rewards to needs
them, set clear give
goals performance-
contingent
rewards
Figure 3.2 Vroom’s expectancy theory45
43 Vroom, p.17-23
44
Drafke, p.288
45 Schermerhorn, p.128
25
3.1.4 Perspective of McClelland

David McClelland has also conducted research in the field of motivation to work. The
result is a theory consisting of three needs, namely achievement, power and affiliation.
Moreover, these needs help to understand motivation, where the different needs are more
or less suitable for a manager or a worker.
Need for achievement; one who wants to reach personal success and desire to do things in
a better way. A person with need for achievement likes to perform tasks where one has
personal responsibility, moreover tasks should be neither easy nor difficult, instead one
wants to have 50-50 chance to succeed.
Need for power: the characteristics for power are that a person likes to make decisions
and have control over others. Furthermore, one is more worried about prestige than
effective performance.
Need for affiliation: when a person has a need for affiliation he or she is concerned about
friendship and being liked by others, cooperation is very important.
McClelland claims that managers and entrepreneurs often have a high need for
achievement, due to the fact that they are goal- oriented and take reasonable risks which
are the characteristics for the need for achievement. Additionally, McClelland states that
the need for power is high in managerial and leading positions. On the other hand,
affiliation is more common in worker positions, because they are more friendship-
oriented and want to get along with co-workers. 46
46 Stephen P. Robbins., Organizational Behavior (New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc., 2005), p. 177-178
26
3.2 Recent research

3.2.1 Money as primary motivator
In the book of Jackson and Carter called Rethinking Organizational Behaviour, they have
questioned traditional ways of understanding organization. Interestingly, the primary
reason for work could only be money according to their perspective. Jackson and Carter
claim that we live in a wage labour economy and therefore people put a price on their
work efforts. All other factors regarding motivation are only secondary, in other words
money comes before all non-material motivators.47 They strengthen their argument with
the statement that people “can survive without job satisfaction, but cannot survive
without a wage”48
Withal, the main purpose to work is not the work itself instead it is the rewards and
bonuses given by the organization. Jackson and Carter argue that need theories
concerning motivation to work are misinterpreted. Preferably, such indications only rely
on social constructions and are to be generalised. Additionally, they stress that motivation
is a product of the human mind and therefore it is impossible for a person to directly
motivate another person.
On the contrary a manager is capable of de-motivating a worker due to the fact that
incentives are restricted or due to a failure made by the worker. A manager can also de-
motivate by creating a bad atmosphere at the workplace, for example, by treating the
workers with a lack of respect. Another noteworthy aspect mentioned in Rethinking
Organizational Behaviour is that people are different, at least when it comes to social
classes “to make the rich work harder you pay them more, to make the poor work harder
you pay them less”49 There is no point in being rich if one does not get the possibility to
47 Norman Jackson and Pippa Carter., Rethinking Organizational Behaviour (Glasgow: Bell & Bain Ltd.,
2000), p.81-82
48
Jackson, p.82
49 Jackson, p.151
27
communicate one’s status (e.g. have nice car, wear fancy clothes) especially for those worse
off. 50
3.2.2 Incentive motivators

Alexander D. Stajkovic and Fred Luthans have completed a study upon Differential
effects of incentive motivators on work performance. The most common incentive
motivators used in organisations are money, social recognition and performance feedback
where it is important to recognize the differences in effect. Stajkovic and Kluthan claim
that money is the most frequently used motivator, especially cash payment. Moreover,
this type of motivation brings huge costs for an organisation. For the employee money is
not only an amount of notes instead money gives them the opportunity to buy things that
they long for. Withal money is a motivator because it can be used to satisfy physiological
and psychological needs.
Social recognition involves personal attention through communication where one is

approved and appreciated for one’s work. This does not have any direct costs for the
organization, except that it demands much effort from both managers and colleagues. The
outcome is that people will act in a way which gives them social recognition and avoid
behaviour that cause other’s disapproval.
Finally, the article reflects upon performance feedback as a motivator, when one is
performing a task it is for his or her importance to be evaluated for what they are doing. It
is crucial to communicate to the employees how they have performed in relation to how
they could have performed to be able to improve their work. This process includes the
individual to develop self- reflection and thereby create a better knowledge about the
environment and themselves, which is seen as a motivator. In the end, the authors state
that the three mentioned motivators are individual and depending on the context, and they
can differ from person to person. 51
50Jackson, p.151
51Alexander D. Stajkovic and Fred Luthans, 2001, “Differential effects of incentive motivators on work
performance”. Academy of Management Journal, vol. 4, no 3, p.580-590
28
3.2.3 Manager motivation

Jay T. Knippen a professor at University of south Florida and Thad B. Green who is a
business author and consultant have written an article regarding the question of what
motivates one’s boss. The article start off with a quote “Only God knows and he won’t
tell. But when you find out tell me and two of us will know.”52 There are six different
steps that one could use to analyse a manager’s behaviour.
The first one is called review the basics of motivation, which the authors of the article
refers to as a guessing game. The reason is that it is an ongoing process which never
ends, a manager can be motivated by many different factors and those can be changed
over time. The one who is investigating the behaviour should analyze how the manager
behaves and what s/he values in life. Some examples could be; always be right, play it
safe, be liked, look good, be in control of everything, have job security etc.
Continuing, once one has made one’s guesses of what the motivators are, one should try
to understand why they motivate. This will be done by asking the manager, asking others
in the surroundings, watch the manager and listen to him or her. When the investigator
interviews the manager it is not always certain that the manager will be totally truthful.
Moreover, one could ask other people who know the manager to get information about
what motivates him or her.
In addition, to watch the manager is a good way of seeing how s/he behaves in different
situation, where one should try to identify the motivational factors. It is of great
importance that the person who wants to know about manager behaviour listens carefully
to what s/he is saying. This must be done to be able to analyse and interpret what
motivates the manager.
52Jay T. Knippen and Thad B. Green, 1996, “What motivates your boss?”. The Journal of Workplace
Learning. Vol. 8, no.3, p.15
29
Finally, the more often a motivator will occur, the more it is a sign of what motivates the
manager. Trying to define which factors affect him or her often will determine the
important motivators. If a manager is dominated by enjoying power, advancement and
money, s/he will not be concerned about the workers and if s/he is liked or not. On the
other hand, a manager can be influenced by appreciation from others as well as good
relationship with co-workers and job security where that manager is not very result
oriented and not egoistic.53
53
Knippen, p. 15-18
30
-Motivation to work- Empirical research
Empirical research
W
e have conducted six deep interviews with persons working within the
financial sector, we have interviewed one manager and one worker at
Länsförsäkringar Kronoberg, SEB and Vågen Försäkringsbyrå. We will present the
material from conversations with the selected persons in this chapter.
4.1 Länsförsäkringar Kronoberg

The company Länsförsäkringar Kronoberg was founded 205 years ago and offers service
within banking and insurance. The head office is situated in central Växjö, where 80
people are employed. Furthermore, they have a smaller office in Ljungby, but we have
interviewed a manger and a worker at the head office. Länsförsäkringar Kronoberg is an
old and well-established company with a strong corporate culture, they want to be local
with an easy access for the customers.54
4.1.1 Interview with Finance- and IT Director

Marie Andersson works as a Finance- and IT Director at Länsförsäkringar Kronoberg,
she is responsible for the finance, IT, estate and security department. She describes her
work task as providing leadership for the abovementioned departments, moreover she has
a position in the leader group in the company where she has the possibility to make
decision as well as influence them. Due to that reason Marie has the opportunity to make
decision regarding her own work.
54 Marie Andersson, 2006: Oral interview 30.11.2006
31
Something particular about Länsförsäkringar Kronoberg is that their working hours is
reduced during the summer, between June and August they work between 8 am to 4 pm.
Whereas during the other months their working hours are from 8 am to 5 pm, additionally
they celebrate Friday with leaving the office one hour early. Every now and then the
employees have to work over time, especially when there is a meeting or other events
scheduled in evenings.
Marie has been working in the finance sector before as a controller, and she feels that the
area is interesting to work within. Moreover, she describes her work as stimulating and
exiting where she has the possibility to learn something new which satisfies her curiosity,
her work also offers contact with people. There are many factors that are beneficial for
Marie in her work. For example, the working climate is very good at Länsförsäkringar
Kronoberg and the environment is very free, there is an ongoing dialog between
managers and workers, and Marie’s door is always open.
Moreover, Marie feels that she has fulfilled they company’s expectations on her and even
more. In addition, the people Marie is responsible for are very competent and she feels
that she has the opportunity to delegate work and at the same time know that it will be
done in a good way. More concrete benefits are the payment, pension insurance, both the
knowledge and the actual insurance, and for Marie the closeness to work is very
favourable.
When we ask Marie what factors are motivating to her she declared when one starts
working the person build his or her free time and life from the money they earn.
Moreover, she thinks that money is motivating to a certain point, but all in all it is more
important with the work task and the working environment. Of course, money plays a
role but it is not the most important one. For Marie it is a combination between work,
family and free time.
32
When Marie started at Länsförsäkringar Kronoberg her salary was a bit lower compared
to the one she had before, but this did not bother her due to the fact that her new work
tasks and responsibility was more challenging. Her raise in salary in the past has been
encouraging but the motivating result did not last for long, it is more of a price tag of the
performed work.
Finally, Marie carries out her work tasks both for the company, what is expected form her
position, but also for her own sake, because she feels that she can develop and grow as a
person. When she describes her leadership, she thinks that she is open and a good
listener, but she stresses that it is important to keep a distance and not be too good
friends. Continuously, she also characterizes herself as a leader who stands for her
decisions.55
4.1.2 Interview with salesperson

We got the oppertunity to make an interview with Christel Frick who covers two
positions within the Länsförsäkringar Kronoberg, one as salesperson in customer service
and one position in the finance department. She finds her work tasks varied and
interesting, but at the same time she has to participate in all meetings twice, which take
more time. Christel has the same working hours as Marie, but she also has the
opportunity to flexibility, one hour in the mornings and one in the afternoon.
Christel has always been working within the finance sector, before Länsförsäkringar
Kronoberg she was employed as an insurance salesperson, but she feels that her current
work involves more tasks and therefore this work is more exciting. Moreover, it is
possible for her to effect and influence decisions concerning her position in the
performance review. There are many opportunities for development both with education
and self within the company but the workers have to take own initiative.
55 Andersson, 2006
33
The benefits that are provided for the workers is among many, the flexibility in working
hours, preventive health care, subsidised lunch and pension insurance. Moreover,
Länsförsäkringar Kronoberg pays a lot of attention to social activities outside work,
where it is common that all personnel socialise during and after working hours.
According to Christel her salary consists of a fix amount and one varied part, which
depends on the number of insurance she has managed to sell during a monthly period. If
she works harder and sell more she will earn more, and she sees that as a reward, more or
less as a carrot. Moreover, Christel states that of course one would like to earn as much
money as possible but it is not everything, instead the working climate is important. The
positions she has in the company satisfies her need for the moment, she recently started in
the finance department. In the future, she would like to advance and feels that she has the
opportunity to do so.
The factors she finds motivating are the feeling of doing something good, to be
appreciated and that she can contribute with something. Christel is also very loyal
towards the company, and has no problems with working overtime. She performs her
work tasks both for her own sake and for the company, when she is working in the
finance department it is to learn new things, and when she is working as a salesperson,
which she knows by heart, she does it for the company.56
4.2 SEB
SEB is a bank which was founded in Stockholm 150 years ago and is now spread all over
the world. It has one office in central Växjö with around 30 employees, this is where we
went for our interviews. Altogether SEB has approximately 20.000 employees, whereby
fifty percent is working abroad. Furthermore, the company as a whole works much with
56 Christel Frick, 2006: Oral interview 30.11.2006
34
gender equality, and therefore they want to have a mixture of gender in their offices as
well as in board of directors.57
4.2.1 Interview with customer service manager

Michael Granstrand works as a customer service manager in Växjö and at the same time
as an office manager in Lessebo for SEB, he is also involved the leader group for
Kronoberg’s county. He has been working in the finance sector since 1985, he chose this
direction due to interest in economy and to meet people. Michael is satisfied with his
position where his main work tasks are to lead and coach the employees of the bank, of
course he also performs the ordinary bank tasks.
Continuously, he has the possibility to affect and make decisions, especially since he is
interacting with other customer service managers in the southern part of Sweden, where
they discuss and can influence decisions made by the top management. Michael thinks it
is beneficial to work with people and to make the customers satisfied, in addition he also
enjoys to see employees develop and grow.
To Michael the working climate is very important, if a person does not feel comfortable
at work, as a manager you could force them to work, but only for a short time not in the
long run. He says that it is essential to work as a team and to have the feeling of
belonging since we spend more time at work than at home, therefore they have activities
together to create a fellow feeling. Michael also reflects about the physical environment
and how vital it is with functional spaces and modern technology.
When we asked Michael what factors that are motivating to him, he said that it is
important to reach the goal he has set, because he is a competitive person. Moreover, he
wants to be appreciated for his work, gladly with a pat on the shoulder. The work must
also be enjoyable and one has to be open to changes or else the person will turn into a fat
cat, as Michael said.
57 Michael Granstrand, 2006: Oral interview 6.12.2006
35
SEB uses bonus-systems, one which is directly connected with the central organization, if
the company as whole reaches its goals during a year, every employee will get a smaller
bonus. Additionally, there is also a more local bonus, based upon the employees’
individual achievement. Michael also has smaller incentives in order to encourage
employees, for example giving the person who has done well a free ticket to the cinema.
This idea depends on the fact that he thinks it is of great value to praise and stimulate the
employees. According to Michael money must be a motivating factor for the personnel or
else they would not use bonus-systems.
When it comes to himself it is a combination of money and free time that is motivating,
nowadays it is more about his family and living standards and not only money. Michael
also stresses that a high pay check can be motivating for a short time, but the work must
be satisfying and fun. Furthermore, he is not doing his work task for his own sake,
instead he is hired by the company to perform the work of a manager. When we asked
him to describe his leadership he answered that he sees the employees as well as the
organization as a sport team, where he is the coach and every employee has their own key
role.58
4.2.2 Interview with salesman in customer service

Peter Ljung works as a salesman in customer service at SEB, where he helps the
customers with daily banking tasks, for example selling bank services and handling
money. His working hours are between 8.30 am and 4 pm, with exception for Thursdays
when the bank has extra opening hours, and he finish at 6.30 pm, this results in shorter
working week of 38.5 hours (normally in Sweden 40 hours). Moreover, he has the chance to
influence decision regarding his work, but not the company as whole.
What he finds beneficial with his work are the flexible working hours, if one of the
personnel has to leave early or come late it is possible to do so, but then of course they
have to compensate it later. Moreover, he enjoys meeting people and the feeling of doing
58 Granstrand, 2006
36
something good. More material benefits are for example, subsidised lunch, discounted
bank services and preventive health care. Peter is hired by hours and due to that reason he
is not working with bonus-systems, but he believes that important to be rewarded when
performing well.
Today money is the primary motivator for Peter, “If I would not get paid I would not go
to work”59 but also the feeling of performance, he feels satisfied after a day’s work.
Moreover, to meet people and sense fellowship with co-workers is also something that
makes him enjoy going to work. At the moment he is satisfied with his position, but
would like to advance in the future, and has the opening to do that in the company.
Finally, Peter performs his work tasks both for the company and for himself, he has a
huge interest for the financial instruments and how to use them efficient. Of course, he is
employed by SEB and does the work that is required from him for the company. Working
extra is not a problem for Peter, especially due to his amount of free time today. 60
4.3 Vågen Försäkringsbyrå AB

The company, which is an insurance firm in Ängelholm, was founded in 1987 by Olof
Carlander and Tomas Tedvik. Eight people in total work at Vågen Försäkringsbyrå AB,
whereas two are self employed but use the company’s name while operating.
The company consists of insurance brokers who work with other companies’ cash flow to
invest them and give them as much return as possible. Moreover, the company helps
private customers with their strong assets, which need to be invested. Vågen
Försäkringbyrå AB offers a wide range of saving products, where 20 percent is
insurances and 80 percent is safe investments.61
59 Peter Ljung, 2006: Oral interview 29.11.2006

60
Ljung, 2006
61 Olof Carlander, 2006: Oral interview 7.12.2006
37
4.3.1 Interview with company director

Olof Carlander has been operating within the insurance field since 1978, and he was one
of the founders of Vågen Försäkringsbyrå. His position in the company is to be
responsible for the organisation, he is working with the finance department as well as
with customer relations. He puts the customers in focus and stress that it is essential to
provide the right product to the right customer.
When we asked Olof what he considers to be his benefits he answered that the major
factor is freedom. Continuously, it is due to his flexibility in work, he has the opportunity
to decide his own working hours as long as the work is completed. Nowadays, for the
family’s sake he tries to be at the office between 8 am to 5 pm. For him, job satisfaction
is something important, the people working for him must be good colleagues with similar
mentality.
The factor that motivates Olof is the relationship with his customers, he has become good
friends with many of his customers during the years. Therefore, the customers trust him
and very often they phone and tell him to invest their money without serious meetings.
Olof values the trust very highly, and has worked hard to create the good relationships.
Before, money was a motivating factor but today it is secondary to Olof, more important
today is free time and family.
Furthermore, of course Olof can effect a great deal when it comes to company issues, and
as mentioned much of his work can be also be adjusted after his demands. Vågen
Försäkringsbyrå is a part of a collaboration called Sigillet- group, where the insurance
brokers in the director position get together at a conference to discuss and improve the
line of business.
38
When Olof is describing his leadership, he refers to himself as kind and humble toward
the employees. At the same time, he presupposes that the personnel carry through their
work tasks in a way suitable for their customers.62
4.3.2 Interview with insurance broker

Jacob Larsson works at Vågen Försäkringsbyrå as an insurance broker, he has been
employed at the firm twice in total 4 years. His working tasks are to sell life-insurance as
well as different types of saving products, but his salary is not based on provision instead
it is fixed amount. Furthermore, Jacob notify that he can affect his salary, depending on
how well he perform his work task, and look upon that as some kind of reward.
According to Jacob his has no actual position in the company, certainly he is hired as an
insurance broker, but since the company is small everyone gets involved in the
organisation, for example if the coffee-machine is broken everyone is concerned.
Moreover, when we asked Jacob to describe how he feels about his work, he answered
amusingly the reason for that the boundary between his work and free-time is loose.
Mainly, this depends on him not having a family and therefore no obligations, at the
moment his work plays a huge role in his life. Additionally, he always enjoys going to
work on Monday mornings, and enjoys the daily contact with the customers.
What Jacob finds beneficial with his work is the flexibility in working hours, if he does
not want to work on a Wednesday it is no problem as long as he compensate it on another
day. One more benefit is that he enjoys work and the working climate is satisfying, this is
important though he spends more time at work than at home.
Vågen Försäkringsbyrå does not have any fixed policies which provide their employees
with extra benefits, for example pension insurance, preventive health care and so on.
However, if an employee would like to have a specific benefit it is negotiable with the
director.
62 Carlander, 2006
39
Money is the primary motivator for Jacob, he knew very early that with money he could
buy the things he longed for. He believes that our society is influenced by the wage
labour economy and that people want to get paid well to be able to buy a fancy car, big
house and nice clothing. Jacob is satisfied with his work and thinks it is interesting but at
the same time he would not go there if he would not get paid.
In the end, Jacob is loyal towards Vågen Försäkringsbyrå and wants to be a good
ambassador, he performs his tasks for the success of the company and of course of his
own interest. He wants to be recognized for his work, especially from the person with
more knowledge and experience.63
63 Jacob Larsson, 2006: Oral interview 7.12.2006
40
-Motivation to work- Analysis
Analysis
T
he theories we have chosen to present in the theoretical chapter have
contributed with ideas and useful thoughts for the conducted interviews. At
the same time they will provide us with helpful assistance while interpreting the
collected data in our analysis. We will discuss motivation to work and other
interesting aspects, as well as analysing what distinguish managers from workers
and vice versa.
5.1 Introduction
First of all we would like to mention that each and every person that we have interviewed
has contributed with many interesting aspects regarding work and motivation. In order to
present the data that is relevant for our study, we will not examine each person
individually. However, we will divide the interviews into two groups, worker and
manager. Our interviewees have not discussed the questions in exactly the same way, but
still considerable similarities can be interpreted within the answers.
We are aware of the fact that a critical eye is necessary while conducting a research.
However we feel that the interviewed persons have answered in a truthfully way, the
reason is probably that we have asked personal and individual questions to them, mostly,
because we are not interested in company issues or policies how the company motivates
their employees.
41
Interestingly, our first observation is that persons working in a manager position are
older and have more experience. On the other hand the persons working in the worker
position are younger and not that experienced. Naturally, this applies for our study and
due to our interviews. We understand that managers in other organisations can be
younger as well as workers can be older.
In general we can see that the interviewed persons perform their work tasks either for the
companies’ sake or as a combination between the company and themselves. The tasks
they perform can be viewed as work and not as play because the work tasks have a
distinct purpose. Moreover, due to the fact that the interviewees get paid for their
achievements support the discussion regarding work and not play.
5.2 Worker and manager analysis

A common factor between the ones we interviewed is their feelings about their work.
Everyone enjoys their work, have an interest for the line of business and love the contact
with other people. If we summarize these mentioned factors about how they feel about
their work it can be connected to Herzberg’s dual- factory theory, where work itself is a
motivator which leads to job satisfaction.
Moreover, the person experience motivation when performing the actual work tasks. We
believe that people must enjoy their working atmosphere and the work itself, mostly due
to the fact that people spend more time at work than at home. In addition, if a person has
negative thoughts about his or her work we think it is hard to be motivated at all. Surely,
a person could manage the situation for a short while but not in the long run.
5.2.1 Possibility to affect decisions

When we talked to the workers we were surprised to find out that they have the
opportunity to affect decisions regarding their position, we did not expect them to have as
much influence. Especially, concerning their working hours and internal education,
working hours which are flexible, and in one case depend on the season and the fact that
42
they all have the possibility to advancement. We believe that the workers experience a
sense of freedom in their work and therefore increase their feeling of influence over
decisions regarding their positions.
Moreover, we think this openness can contribute to motivation to go to work. In our

opinion a parallel can also be drawn to Herzberg where advancement is a motivator,
where he claims that opportunity to reach a higher position within the organisation
increases job satisfaction and will keep the workers motivated for a long time. All three
of our workers are happy with their position at the moment, but will definitely reach for
higher positions in the future. Reasons for this could be that they are fairly new on their
position, their relatively young age, and they feel that they have more to learn.
On the other hand, the managers have more impact on decisions regarding the whole
company, much depending on their position within the organisation. Where the position
itself gives them the chance to be involved in decisions regarding the employees they are
responsible for as well as issues concerning the company.
We do not see the possibility to make decisions itself as a motivating factor for the
managers, instead we believe that they are still motivated by the previous advancement
within the company. Moreover, Herzberg states that advancement as motivator is
something that last for a long time so therefore this has already been achieved. When we
asked the manager if they are satisfied with their positions and they all agreed.
5.2.2 Working climate

Another interesting factor is the working climate, all workers believe it is important to
have friendly colleagues and nice working environment. Additionally, as Jacob at Vågen
Försäkringsbyrå stated during the interview “enjoys going to work on Monday
mornings.” We understand the workers thought about their working climate as something
that must be there so that they can experience a good environment at work. We imagine
that our interpretation of the interviewed workers can be agreed with McClelland’s need
43
theory. One of the conclusions McClelland has presented is the need for affiliation among
workers, because friendship and good relation with colleagues are important for them.
Even though the working climate is important for the workers, during the interviews it
became clear to us that it is vital for the managers. They strongly stress how important it
is to communicate the friendly environment so that the organisation functions and that the
employees experience belongingness. For example, with an open door, team spirit and
trust. Furthermore, during the interviews with the managers they often pointed out how
essential the working climate is, we see this as a motivating factor for them. As Knippen
and Green states in their article the more often a factor occurs the more motivating it is
for the managers.
5.2.3 Discussion regarding benefits

In our case the workers pay attention to the concrete benefits provided by the company.
At Länsförsäkringar Kronoberg the employees get subsidised lunch, prevented health
care, flexibility in working hours. In addition, at SEB the employees get similar benefits
as Länsförsäkringar Kronoberg.
On the other hand, at Vågen Försäkringsbyrå the benefits for employees are not distinct,
but they have possibility to turn to manager and negotiate the benefits the person wish
for. We guess that the subsidised lunch is there for the reason that the colleagues can talk
to each other about more than work tasks, the company wants their employee to socialise
during lunch hour.
Furthermore, the lunch gives them the opportunity to talk with people within the
company to whom that they usually do not converse with. We also believe that the whole
idea create a positive thought, going out to eat is something exciting for all most every
person. Another factor that can be pointed out is the feeling of fellowship between the
employees, and this is positive outcome of the subsidised lunch.
44
Of course, Vågen Försäkringbyrå does not provide subsidised lunch, but on the other
hand they already have a strong fellowship between the people working at the firm,
mostly due to the small size of the organization. Moreover, we believe that if Vågen
Försäkrinsbyrå will expand in the future, subsidised lunch will be provided.
On the contrary, the managers in the interviewed companies do not refer that much to the
concrete benefits for them the working climate is more important. The managers see the
working climate as an actual benefit. In our opinion we imagine that the managers have
another perspective regarding the working climate, due to their positions, where they are
hired as managers and therefore have the responsibility to guide the personnel. Moreover,
we think that the working climate plays a great role since they work active with it.
5.3 Aspects of motivation

When we conducted our interviews we recognised common factors regarding motivation
within the group of managers and within the group of workers. Everyone is satisfied with
their current position and enjoys going to work.
In our research all the workers describe money as a huge factor when it comes to
motivation. Two of the interviewees stress that they would not go to work without any
payment. Indeed, the more non material factors such as working climate, interest in work
itself is important to them, but money is discussed as the most essential motivator.
According to Vroom a person would like to be rewarded and the reward must be tangible,
and we believe that money is tangible.
We understand the workers desire for money as a hunger for material things, they are (in
our case) young and have not been active in the labour market for that long, and therefore
they have a need for buying things they long for. As the article of Stajkovic and Luthans
mention, that money can be used to satisfy physiological and psychological needs.
Moreover, as Vroom point out, people cannot be motivated by something they do not
want, as we see it, the workers want things and therefore long for money. Furthermore,
45
Jackson and Carter also describe how important money is when it comes to motivation,
and that people can survive without job satisfaction but not without a pay check.
Additionally, the workers wish money as reward for their performance, perhaps not a
bundle of bank notes, rather a bonus or a pay increase. We believe that this type of
reward has to be visible and concrete for the workers, so that they can actually experience
that they accomplished something good for the company. At the same time it is
appropriate to mention what Michael at SEB discussed during our interview regarding
bonus- system. Where he believes that it would not stay alive if people where not inspired
to worker harder when they can receive a bonus.
On the other hand, the managers do not mention tangible reward at all when we asked
them how important reward is for their performance. Instead they pay attention to more
non material factors. A parallel can be drawn to Herzberg’s dual- factor theory, where he
declares that achievement, recognition, work itself, responsibility and advancement are
motivators. If we compare his idea to our material from the interviews with managers we
can discover that achievement, recognition, work itself and responsibility are harmonised.
If these different factors are fulfilled the job satisfaction will increase.
What we believe are important for the managers are appreciation for their work, and be
recognised by others in the company, responsibility in their positions and as mentioned
before a great interest of performing the actual work. In our case the motivator called
advancement is not new for the managers, due to the fact that there are already happy
with the position they hold, as we stressed before, this motivator has already been
achieved.
Moreover, Stajkovic and Luthans discuss in their article incentive motivators, money,
social recognition and performance feed back. We have argued that money is more
important for the workers than the managers. Of course, money is important for managers
to a certain point, and as they told us during the interviews, money was more important
when they where young and fresh on the labour market. At the present they are more
46
concerned about social recognition, which Stajkovic and Luthans define as being
approved and appreciated for the work they perform. Another management theorist who
has researched about motivation to work is McClelland, where he has defined three
needs, achievement, power and affiliation. McClelland also declares that the need for
achievement and need for power are often more recognisable for managers. We imagine
that our interviewed managers comply with the need for achievement where a person
wants individual responsibility and likes to make decisions. We believe that the managers
like to make decisions or else they would not have applied for the position.
Furthermore, a common aspect that our interviewed managers discussed was the
importance of family and free time. We think that money has lost a bit of its interest, the
managers already live in house they like, drive the car they have longed for and have a
family. For them nowadays it is more essential to have the weekend to spend time with
their families. Finally, what also seems important for the managers are once again the
working climate, to enjoy their work and colleagues and the feeling of doing something
good.
47
-Motivation to work- Conclusion
Conclusion
W e would like to present the results we have found during our study.
Differences in what motivate a manger and a worker has been discovered.
In this chapter, we will reveal our outcome of the journey, enjoy!
6.1 Differences in motivation

The whole process of writing our thesis has contributed to a greater knowledge of
motivation to work, especially while studying previous presented theories. From the
interviews we have gain much information regarding the subject and given us a deeper
insight of motivation. All in all our research has made it possible for us to draw exciting
conclusions.
Before starting to present the different findings for workers and managers, we would like
to say that without an interest for one’s work motivation could be hard to define. Luckily,
all interviewees participating in our thesis have a huge interest within their line of
business and the company.
Our conclusion of what motivates a worker is, primarily money. They want to receive
tangible rewards for their performance, for example bonuses and pay increase for the
same work which can be viewed as money, in one way or another. Moreover, the craving
for material benefits, subsidised lunch, preventive health care, which can be used to
strengthen our argument that money is what motivate workers. Certainly, the working
48
-Motivation to work- Conclusion
climate matters for the persons in worker positions, however we feel that this is not the
essential working motivator.
Our conclusion of what motivates a manager is, working climate, recognition and free
time. They experience a positive recognition as a reward as well as working climate, and
do not pay attention to material ones. Moreover, we have discovered how important good
relationship with colleagues, acknowledge for their work and to create a pleasant working
environment are.
The other factor that motivates a manager is his or her free time, where the person wants
time for activities other than work. Of course, the managers would not work for free, they
still want to have a realistic pay check, however money plays a smaller role for the
manager.
To answer our research questions, there are differences in motivation to work between a
manager and a worker. The major difference is money for the workers and recognition,
working climate and free time for the managers. We imagine that money will attract
people to a job, but recognition and development will keep people.
For final outcome of our research we would like to use a cliché, the grass is always
greener on the other side of the fence. We have reached the conclusion that people
always want more. However, the workers want more things and therefore they urge for
more money, and that is what drives them forward.
On the contrary, the managers need for money has decrease over the years, they own the
material thing the want. Instead, the non material factors as family and friends are
fundamental for the manager and that is what drives him or her forward. In addition, what
they want is to create a better working place, make tasks more effective and be there for
the employees, because it can always be better according to them.
49
References
Books
Andersen, Ib. 1998. Den uppenbara verkligheten. Lund: Studentlitteratur.

Drafke, Michael W. and Stan Kossen. 1998. The Human Side of
Organizations. 7th ed. Massachusetts: Addison/Wesley.
Ghauri, Pervez and Kjell Grönhaug. 2005. Research methods in business
studies. 3rd ed. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited.
Gummesson, Evert. 2000. Qualitative methods in management research. 2nd
ed. California: Sage Publications, Inc.
Herzberg, Frederick et al. 1959. Motivation to work .2nd ed. New York: John
Wiley & Sons.
Jackson, Norman and Pippa Carter. 2000. Rethinking Organizational
Behaviour. Glasgow: Bell & Bain Ltd.
McKenna, Eugene. 2001. Business Psychology and Organisational
Behaviour. 3rd ed. East Sussex: Psychology Press.
Merriam, Sharan B. 1998. Qualitative Research and Case Study Applications
in Education. 2nd ed. Hoboken: John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
Pugh, D.S. 1990. Organization Theory. 3rd ed. England: Penguin Books.
Robbins, Stephen P. 2005. Organizational Behavior. 11th ed. New Jersey:
Pearson Education, Inc.
Schermerhorn, John R. et al. 2005. Organizational Behavior. 9th ed. New
York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Tucker, Robert. 1978. The Marx-Engels reader. New York: Norton.
Vroom, Victor H. 1995. Work and Motivation. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass
Inc.
50
Weick, Karl E. 2006. Making sense of the Organization. Malden: Blackwell
Publishing.
Articles
Knippen Jay T. and Thad B. Green, 1996, “What motivates your boss?”. The
Journal of Workplace Learning. Vol. 8, no.3. Bradford: MCB University
Press
Stajkovic, Alexander D. and Fred Luthans, 2001, “Differential effects of
incentive motivators on work performance”. Academy of Management
Journal, vol. 4, no 3. New York: Briar Cliff Manor.
Interviews
Andersson, Marie, Finanace- and IT director, 2006: oral interview 30.11.2006

Carlander, Olof, Company director, 2006: oral interview 7.12.2006
Frick, Christel, Salesperson, 2006: oral interview 30.11.2006
Granstrand, Michael, Customer Service Manager, 2006: oral interview
6.12.2006
Larsson, Jacob, Insurance Broker, 2006: oral interview 7.12.2006
Ljung, Peter, Salesman, 2006: oral interview 29.11.2006
51
Appendix
Appendix 1 – interview draft p. 53-54

Appendix 2 – overview of interview questions p. 55-59
52
Appendix 1 – interview draft
Motivation to work- differences between manager and worker

Interview draft
Company:________________________________________
Interviewee:______________________________________
Date_____________________________________________
- Can you tell us shortly about your organization?
- What kind of position do you have in your company? What tasks do you
perform?
- What are your working hours?
- How long have you been working for….(the company)
- How long have you been operating in this line of business?
- How do you feel about your job?
- Can you influence your work/ company decisions?
- What is beneficial with your job? What are your benefits? (If there are any)
- What role do they play in your life?
- Does your work include a bonus- system? Is it important for you to get
rewards for your performance?
- How important is the working climate for you?
- Are you satisfied with your current position? If not, do you have the
possibility to advance?
- What factors would you say are motivating to you?
- (1) some people say that it is money that motivates them, what would
you say to them?
53
- (2) some people say that it is non-material factors that motivates them,
what would you say to them?
- How important is the salary in relation to non- material factors?
- What would it take for you to work extra hours?
- If you would be offered to work extra on a Saturday for an extra bonus,

what would you say?
- Do you perform the task that you’re supposed to do, for the company’s
sake or for your self?
- How would you describe your leadership? (used during interviews with manager)
Notification: Some of the questions asked where more or less suitable for the
different positions, and sometimes the questions were already answered in
previous discussions.
54
Appendix 2 – overview of interview questions
How do you feel about your work?
100%
Manager
Worker
0%
Länsförs. SEB Vågen
Everyone is satisfied with their work, they experience interest and values their
opportunity to meet people.
Affect decsion regarding position/company?
100%
Manager
Worker
0%
Managers can affect the whole company, whereas the workers can affect
decisions regarding their position.
55
Are you satisfied with your current position?
100%
Manager
Worker-at the
moment
0%
LänFör. SEB Vågen
The managers are satisfied with their position. Workers are satisfied at the
moment, but wish to advance in the future.
How important is the working climate?
100%
Manger essential
Worker important
0%
The manager see the working climate as essential, on the other hand the
workers think it must be there.
56
Which benefits are important?
100%
Manager non-
material
Worker concrete
benefits
0%
The managers refer to non material factors as benefits, for example working
climate. The workers value concrete benefits, for example subvention lunch.
Affect decsion regarding position/company?
100%
Manager
recognition
Worker money
0%
In this figure, money is important to certain point for managers, but the
recognition is more rewarding. Compared to workers where money is most
important. With 100% we mean recognition.
57
Managers
Marie - What factors are motivating
to you?
money
family/freetime
work itself
Michael - What factors are motivating

to you?
money
family/freetime
work itself
Olof - What factors are motivating

to you?
money
family/freetime
work itself
Workers
58
Christel - What factors are motivating
to you?
money
family/freetime
work itself
Peter - What factors are motivating

to you?
money
family/freetime
work itself
Jacob - What factors are motivating

to you?
money
family/freetime
work itself
59

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School of Management and Economics

“Motivation to work – differences between managers and workers”

To a certain point we mention the similarities in motivation to work between a worker

Our interviewees, Marie Andersson, Christel Frick, Michael

Växjö December 2006

Sofie Palmqvist Elna Hägglund

1.1 BACKGROUND .......................................................................................................... 7

2.1 RESEARCH JOURNEY ............................................................................................... 11

3.1 OLD FAMOUS THEORIES.......................................................................................... 21

4.1 LÄNSFÖRSÄKRINGAR KRONOBERG ........................................................................ 31

5.1 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................... 41

6.1 DIFFERENCES IN MOTIVATION ................................................................................ 48

Figure 2.1 our research journey .......................................................................................... 12

Figure 2.2 inductive strategy ............................................................................................... 15

Figure 2.3 deductive strategy............................................................................................... 16

Figure 2.4 production and use of theory.......................................................................... 16

Figure 3.1 Herzberg’s dual-factor theory ........................................................................ 23

Figure 3.2 Vroom’s expectancy theory.............................................................................. 25

1.2 Problem discussion

As mentioned earlier, motivation is crucial for organizations to function, without

1.3 Research question

Continuously, we will accomplish carefully planned interviews with workers as well as

Our definition of a manager is a person with a leading position in an organisation who is

2.1 Research journey

When the methodology is completed it is natural to start to contact possible companies

October 16 Finding a topic

November 7 Adjusting introduction

November 24 Continuing with theoretical part

December 8 Reflect upon the empirical chapter

Figure 2.1 our research journey

2.2 Pre- understanding

6 Evert Gummesson., Qualitative methods in management research (California: Sage Publications,

2.3 Scientific approach

On the contrary, the hermeneutic perspective contemplates on understanding and

2.4 Research strategy

OBSERVATIONS FINDINGS THEORY BUILDING

Figure 2.2 inductive strategy 11

THEORY OBSERVATION FINDINGS

Figure 2.3 deductive strategy13

Figure 2.4 production and use of theory15

13 Adapted from Ghauri, p15

understandable investigation it is important to have a theoretical base to present concept,

2.5 Research method

comparing individuals. The researcher is a part of the action, and is perceived as an

2.6 Data collection

2.7 Quality of research

External validity is primarily about reusing the findings in other situations, if it is

3.1 Old famous theories

3.1.1 Thoughts about motivation

3.1.2 Dual- factor theory

Company policy and administration: companies’ norms and values

Achievement: solutions to problem, confirmation, appreciation of one’s work

Hygiene factors in job context Motivator factors in job content

Organizational policies Achievement

High Job Dissatisfaction 0 Job Satisfaction High

Figure 3.1 Herzberg’s dual-factor theory 38

3.1.3 Vroom’s perspective

Instrumentality: if one increases one’s performance at work it will result in better

to achieve and realize