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Quizzes > Business & Finance

Motivation Quiz for Employees: Find What Drives Your Team

Quick, free work motivation test with instant results and practical tips.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Suma Jaya AminUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration showing employee motivation quiz with gears arrows lightbulb icons on dark blue background

This employee motivation quiz helps you spot what drives performance and engagement on your team. Work through quick, real-world scenarios to check strengths in recognition, clear goals, feedback, and teamwork, then get simple ideas to act on; for deeper insight, explore our management style test, workplace culture quiz, and team building quiz.

What is intrinsic motivation?
Motivation based on competition with peers
Motivation driven by external rewards like money or praise
Motivation enforced through company policies and regulations
Motivation that comes from inside an individual, such as personal satisfaction
Intrinsic motivation arises when people engage in an activity for its own sake, because it is interesting or enjoyable, rather than for some separable consequence. Studies show that intrinsic factors like autonomy and mastery boost long-term engagement.
According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which need must be met first?
Physiological needs
Safety needs
Self-actualization needs
Esteem needs
Maslow's model posits that basic physiological needs like food, water, and shelter must be satisfied before higher-level needs become motivators. Failure to meet these needs impedes progress up the hierarchy.
In Herzberg's two-factor theory, which of the following is considered a hygiene factor?
Achievement
Work itself
Company policies
Recognition
Herzberg's two-factor theory distinguishes between hygiene factors, which prevent dissatisfaction, and motivators, which drive satisfaction. Company policies, salary, and work conditions are hygiene factors.
What is the primary focus of equity theory in the workplace?
Outlining career development paths
Implementing strict performance metrics
Maximizing total rewards regardless of effort
Balancing inputs and outcomes to maintain fairness
Equity theory proposes that employees compare their job inputs and outcomes with those of others to perceive fairness. Imbalances can lead to reduced motivation or negative behaviors.
Which of these is an example of an extrinsic motivator?
Autonomy in tasks
Pay raise
Sense of achievement
Personal growth
Extrinsic motivators are external rewards such as pay raises, bonuses, or promotions that are provided by others. They contrast with intrinsic motivators, which come from within.
What does job enrichment involve?
Adding more routine tasks to an employee's role
Increasing the number of employees per team
Enhancing a job by adding responsibilities that increase autonomy and challenge
Rotating employees among various tasks
Job enrichment increases motivation by giving employees more control, responsibility, and opportunities to use a variety of skills. This approach aligns with Herzberg's motivators.
Which component is part of Self-Determination Theory?
Autonomy
Reinforcement
Instrumentality
Equity
Self-Determination Theory identifies autonomy, competence, and relatedness as critical psychological needs that foster intrinsic motivation. Autonomy refers to feeling in control of one's actions.
How does employee recognition typically affect motivation?
It only raises salaries
It can boost intrinsic motivation by affirming valued contributions
It has no effect unless tied to a bonus
It reduces engagement by increasing competition
Recognition programs help employees feel valued and respected, which strengthens intrinsic motivation and engagement. Recognition can be verbal praise, awards, or public acknowledgment.
In Vroom's Expectancy Theory, which term describes the belief that effort leads to performance?
Instrumentality
Valence
Expectancy
Equity
Expectancy is the perceived likelihood that effort will lead to successful performance. If employees doubt their ability to succeed, motivation decreases.
Which characteristic of goals makes them most motivating according to Locke and Latham?
Easy and vague
Unchanged over time
Quantity-based only
Challenging and specific
Locke and Latham's Goal-Setting Theory states that specific, challenging goals lead to higher performance than easy or ambiguous goals. Feedback on progress further enhances motivation.
McClelland's Need for Affiliation describes a desire for:
Recognition for achievements
Social relationships and belonging
Innovation and creativity
Control over resources
McClelland identified three needs - achievement, affiliation, and power. The need for affiliation drives individuals to seek friendly, interpersonal relationships and social harmony.
How does high employee engagement relate to productivity?
It often leads to increased productivity and performance
It usually correlates with lower turnover but not productivity
It has no measurable impact on output
It decreases innovation
Research shows that highly engaged employees are more productive, show greater discretionary effort, and contribute to higher business outcomes. They are also less likely to leave.
What is the main difference between job rotation and job enrichment?
Rotation moves employees between tasks; enrichment enhances depth of a single job
Rotation is external motivation; enrichment is financial motivation
Rotation is a motivator; enrichment is a hygiene factor
Rotation increases pay; enrichment reduces pay
Job rotation involves periodically shifting employees among tasks to reduce monotony, while job enrichment adds responsibilities and autonomy to deepen the job. Both impact motivation differently.
Why might a pay raise fail to increase job satisfaction in the long term?
Because money always decreases motivation
Because pay is a hygiene factor and doesn't sustain satisfaction
Because employees rarely notice raises
Because it always increases dissatisfaction
According to Herzberg, salary is a hygiene factor - its absence causes dissatisfaction, but its presence doesn't generate lasting satisfaction. True motivation comes from factors like achievement.
Which type of feedback is most effective in motivating employees?
Feedback only during annual reviews
Delayed feedback with general comments
Immediate, specific feedback on task performance
Vague feedback focused on personality
Timely and specific feedback helps employees understand what they are doing well and where to improve. This clarity enhances motivation and performance.
In equity theory, if an employee's outcome/input ratio is lower than a coworker's, what is a likely reaction?
They will seek to reduce their inputs or increase outcomes
They will increase effort
They will automatically be more satisfied
They will ignore the discrepancy
When employees perceive under-reward, they may reduce their inputs (e.g., effort) or seek a raise or other outcomes to restore equity. This can impact engagement and performance.
Which element is not part of a SMART goal framework?
Agile
Measurable
Time-bound
Relevant
SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. 'Agile' is not one of the original components.
How does self-efficacy influence motivation according to Bandura?
Low self-efficacy always boosts performance
High self-efficacy enhances expectancy and persistence
High self-efficacy decreases goal commitment
Self-efficacy has no impact on motivation
Bandura's self-efficacy concept describes belief in one's ability to succeed. Higher self-efficacy results in greater effort, persistence, and resilience, thus enhancing motivation.
Which cultural dimension can significantly affect motivational strategies in global teams?
Team size
Power distance
Uniform training
Dress code
Hofstede's power distance dimension reflects how cultures handle inequalities. In high power distance cultures, hierarchical recognition and formal rewards may be more motivating.
What is a key risk when implementing performance-based pay?
It may encourage unhealthy competition and short-term focus
It eliminates all extrinsic motivators
It always improves teamwork
It reduces administrative burden
Performance-based pay can drive individual achievement but may also foster unhealthy competition, gaming of metrics, or neglect of non-incentivized tasks. Balance and clear guidelines are essential.
How can remote work impact traditional motivation metrics?
It always increases face-to-face interaction metrics
It reduces need for any motivational tracking
It has no effect on engagement metrics
It may require new measures for autonomy, communication, and well-being
Remote work shifts focus onto metrics like digital collaboration, autonomy, and wellness checks rather than just hours worked. New indicators help gauge motivation and engagement effectively.
Which approach is best for designing a valid employee motivation survey?
Ensure questions map to established motivation constructs and pilot test
Focus solely on financial rewards
Use only open-ended questions
Survey only managers and ignore staff feedback
A valid survey uses established constructs (e.g., Maslow, Herzberg), reliable scales, and pilot testing to ensure questions measure intended factors. Inclusivity of all roles enhances accuracy.
If employees have high extrinsic rewards but low intrinsic drive, which strategy best enhances long-term engagement?
Rotate employees through more repetitive tasks
Enhance job autonomy and opportunities for mastery
Increase monetary bonuses further
Implement more stringent oversight
When extrinsic motivators are strong but intrinsic drive is lacking, enriching jobs via autonomy, skill development, and meaningful work fosters deeper engagement.
Why might a company that increased salaries still see no rise in motivation, according to Herzberg's theory?
Herzberg's theory doesn't include salary as a factor
Salary is a motivator that always leads to satisfaction
Salary is a hygiene factor; its increase prevents dissatisfaction but doesn't generate lasting motivation
Employees rarely notice changes in pay
Herzberg categorized salary as a hygiene factor: improving it removes dissatisfaction but doesn't create long-term job satisfaction. True motivators like recognition and growth drive motivation.
In complex organizations, which component of Vroom's Expectancy Theory often breaks down, and how can it be strengthened?
Expectancy often breaks down; strengthen by setting vague goals
All components remain stable in large organizations
Valence often breaks down; strengthen by random rewards
Instrumentality often breaks down; strengthen by clarifying reward processes and ensuring consistency
Instrumentality - the belief that performance leads to specific rewards - can falter in large, complex organizations. Clear reward systems and transparent criteria help restore trust.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Core Motivation Theories -

    Recognize how foundational models like Maslow's hierarchy, Herzberg's two-factor theory, and self-determination drive employee engagement and performance.

  2. Analyze Effects of Motivation on Employees -

    Interpret quiz results to see how various incentives impact morale, satisfaction, and productivity across teams.

  3. Evaluate Your Leadership Influence -

    Assess how different management styles contribute to employee motivation and identify opportunities for enhancing team performance.

  4. Apply Strategies to Improve Employee Productivity -

    Implement evidence-based techniques to boost engagement, streamline workflows, and foster a motivated work environment.

  5. Identify Key Engagement Drivers -

    Pinpoint intrinsic and extrinsic motivators that resonate with diverse staff members and tailor your approach to each individual's needs.

  6. Measure Progress with the Work Motivation Test -

    Use the quiz as a diagnostic tool to track motivational improvements over time and refine your strategies for sustained productivity.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Self-Determination Theory (SDT) -

    SDT, from Deci & Ryan (2000), posits that autonomy, competence and relatedness fuel intrinsic motivation. Remember the "ARC" mnemonic to recall these three core needs - think of a bow's arc propelling movement. Understanding this framework can enrich any employee motivation quiz or work motivation test by highlighting internal drivers versus external rewards.

  2. Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory -

    Developed by Frederick Herzberg, this model differentiates hygiene factors (e.g., salary, job security) from motivators (e.g., recognition, growth). A handy tip: "Hygiene halts dissatisfaction, Motivators move satisfaction." This distinction is key for any employee engagement quiz as it pinpoints whether you're addressing the effects of motivation on employees or merely reducing discontent.

  3. Vroom's Expectancy Theory Formula -

    Victor Vroom's equation, M = E × I × V, shows that Motivation equals Expectancy (belief in success), Instrumentality (belief that performance leads to reward), and Valence (value of reward). For memory aid, think "EIV" like Roman numeral XIV - easy to recall under quiz pressure. Applying this formula in a work motivation test can predict which incentives truly boost engagement.

  4. Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Motivation -

    Intrinsic motivation comes from personal satisfaction, while extrinsic stems from external rewards. Use the "RIG" mnemonic - Rewards vs Interest vs Growth - to differentiate them quickly during any employee engagement quiz. Balancing both types is essential for improving employee productivity and sustaining long-term commitment.

  5. SMART Goals & Feedback Loops -

    Setting Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound objectives drives clarity and engagement (Locke & Latham, 2002). Pair goals with regular feedback loops - weekly check-ins that reinforce progress - to amplify the effects of motivation on employees. This approach not only aids in an employee motivation quiz scenario but actively supports improving employee productivity.

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