Supervision in the Hospitality Industry- AHLEI Practice Test

Which statement about staff motivation is true?

1. A supervisor cannot motivate employees; employees must motivate themselves.

2. Motivation is not a supervisory issue as employees are paid for their work.

3. Supervisors are responsible for motivating all employees in their departments.

4. Staff motivation is not a problem if supervisors raise their expectations.

The correct answer is: A supervisor cannot motivate employees; employees must motivate themselves.

The assertion that a supervisor cannot motivate employees; employees must motivate themselves overlooks the significant role that supervisors play in fostering a motivating work environment. While self-motivation is essential and varies among individuals, the motivation of employees is a key aspect of effective supervision. Motivation is often influenced by various factors, including workplace culture, recognition, support from supervisors, and the overall work environment. A supervisor's actions, communication style, and leadership behaviors can affect employee morale and motivation levels. While an individual may possess intrinsic motivation, external factors controlled by supervisors, such as praise, support, and constructive feedback, play a crucial role in enhancing or hindering that motivation. The other statements downplay the importance of a supervisor's role in motivation. The belief that motivation is not a supervisory issue reflects a misunderstanding of leadership responsibilities, as a motivated staff leads to better performance and job satisfaction. Claiming supervisors are responsible for motivating all employees simplifies the complex nature of motivation, which can vary greatly from person to person. Similarly, stating that staff motivation is not a problem if expectations are raised fails to recognize that motivation is multifaceted and influenced by various factors beyond just expectations.