问答题
Research has taught us a lot about job satisfaction and
the motivation of workers. First, workers are more motivated if their job offers
a sense of community. A sense of community grows when workers get recognition
for their accomplishments and when they believe their skills are being well
used. Social organization in the workplace is important. Supervisors and
co--workers have a tremendous influence on job satisfaction. When workers are
asked what they like or do not like about their job, around 80 percent will
mention the people they work with. Second, while workers value
traditional economic incentives such as pay and promotions, they also have needs
and expectations that go beyond economic concerns. Workers need a sense of
security in the workplace. Security comes from confidence in the system that
they are part of, the quality of the product or service they provide, and the
reputation of the company. Security comes from the personal satisfaction of
knowing that their skills are being utilized in a way that contributes to the
company's success. Third, the most satisfying jobs are those
with a high level of autonomy, in which employees can make their own decisions
about the pacing and sequence of work with minimal supervision. Job autonomy is
most often found in high-pay and high-prestige occupations. In jobs in the
middle or lower levels of pay and prestige, workers generally have less
autonomy. The lower the occupational status, the more heavily supervised the
workers are, and the fewer decisions they can make on their own.
Now listen to the recording. When you hear the question, begin your
response. You may look at the reading passage during the writing time.
Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they
support specific points made in the reading passage.
【正确答案】Key points:
The lecture states that the small work group fills important social and emotional needs of workers. This supports the point in the reading that workers are more motivated if their job offers a sense of community.
The lecture states that the work group improves worker motivation because it promotes an atmosphere of security. This supports the point in the reading that workers need a sense of security in the workplace.
The lecture states that the small work group gives individuals a sense of autonomy; workers need to feel in control of what happens during the workday. This supports the point in the reading that the most satisfying jobs are those with a high level of autonomy.
【答案解析】[解析]
Companies organized around the concept of the small work group generally have high levels of worker satisfaction. There are several reasons for the success of the small work group.
First, the group fills important social and emotional needs of workers. By small work group, I mean a group of usually around three to fifteen people with one lead person. The work group is the basic unit of a company's social organization. What takes place day to day within that group affects worker attitudes, motivation, and productivity--and ultimately, the quality of the company's product or service.
Second, the work group improves worker motivation because it promotes an atmosphere of security. When workers are members of a team, they know their performance matters to the success of the group. Knowing that their skills contribute to the team gives workers a sense of ownership and accomplishment. Ultimately, when workers have a sense of team pride and personal fulfillment, they are more valuable to the organization.
Third, the small work group gives individuals a sense of utonomy. Workers need to feel in control of what happens during the workday. They feel alienated when they have no voice. If workers have their say---especially within the work group-they feel a greater sense of pride in their work. Managers have to accept that workers deserve to have a voice in the decisions that affect them. Workers should be able to participate in the setting of goals and the evaluation of results. Managers have to face this reality if they want to have a highly motivated workforce.
Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they support specific points made in the reading passage.