Answer to Question #158043 in Management for Aysha Zeeshan

Question

Brent Templeton is a draftsman for a large industrial equipment manufacturer. He has been with the company for more than seven years and is well respected for his abilities. In a recent conversation with one of his friends, Brent revealed the following thoughts about his work. I really shouldn't complain about my job, I guess. The money is good. The working conditions are excellent. I have good friends who work with me, and that's important. Although retirement is a long way off, I'm putting aside funds to help me live comfortably then. I'm also setting aside money to put our children through college when the time comes. My problem is this: I just don't see anything different in the future. I have already reached the top of the pay scale for draftsmen. Except for cost-of-living adjustments, my income will never be much greater than it is now. More important, I've reached the top level for promotions that a draftsman can achieve. To get into a higher level design or engineering job, the company requires you to be a College graduate. Since I don't have a college degree, I have no real hope of advancing. Even if I could go back to college to get a degree, it would take years for me to get one. I must support my family; so I can spare neither the time nor the money that would be necessary to get a degree. As I view the alternatives available, I just don't see many within the company itself. Perhaps what I should do is get involved in something off the job the would be stimulating. One of the boy's clubs in town needs someone to teach the kids how to do carpentry and woodwork, and I'm pretty good at those things; so I may volunteer to work in the program. I guess it's not really important that I be all fired up about my work with this company. Just so long as I do my job and stay out of trouble, That's all that's really important, isn't it? 

Case Questions:

(1)  On the basis of case material which of Brent Templeton's needs are being fulfilled by his employing organization? 

 

(2) Which of Brent's needs, goals, or expectations are not being met by his employer? Why is this particularly discouraging to Brent? 

(3) Is it important that Brent's be excited about his work, or is it enough to expect him to do his job and stay out of trouble? What steps could Brent's employer take that would result in a change of attitude and improve his inspiration to perform? 

Answer 1

Question 1

According to Brent Templeton, the availability of good pay is been met by the employer.

Availability of good pay enables Brent to be able to save for his retirement.

The good pay has also enabled Brent to be able to support his family and also save for his children's college.

Question 2

The employer has not been able to meet Brent's needs as he doesn't see anything different in the future.

Brent's needs are not been met by the employer as he has reached the top of the pay scale for draftsmen hence no greater income.

Brent's goal of advancing into a higher-level design or engineering job can not be realized unless he gets a college degree.

Question 3

It is important for Brent to be excited about his work.

Brent's employer needs to introduce incentives for his employees as a way of making more money and motivation.

The employer also needs to introduce a program that can be able to support his employees that wish to continue with their studies, financially and by having them work fewer hours as the study.

This would improve Brent's inspiration to perform his work.