Page 378 - Fundamentals of Management Myths Debunked (2017)_Flat

CHAPTER 11 • Motivating and Rewarding Employees 377
contribute for more than 30 years? Consider Alibaba’s found- 11-20 Can Jack Ma’s statement suggesting he was happier earning
ing ideals. $12 a month as a school teacher be justified? Explain your
11-19 How would you retain employees who are sitting on lucrative answer using the motivational theories.
stock options and could walk out the door tomorrow knowing 11-21 Where would equity theory be relevant in Alibaba’s history?
that they would never have to work another day in their life? 11-22 Having read this case, which motivational theory do you feel most
use various motivation theories to support your answer. represents Ma’s ability to lead his team to overcome all odds?

cASe APPlIcATIoN 3
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Discretionary Time Off Policy

nlimited vacation time would seem a dream to most, employees desire to have more discretion in performing their
but for a handful it just got very real. Companies work. This does not hold true for everybody as some may pre-
Ulike Virgin, and Netflix, are looking to motivate their fer a well-defined work schedule, established time-off, and less
employees by offering leaves with no restrictions on the responsibility. The second point against unlimited vacations
number of days per year. Known as “discretionary time off” is regarding workaholic employees or those who need more
78
(DTO), the policy is based on observations that highlight money may decide to take less vacation and work more. This
the importance of providing employees with more control may become problematic in certain professions like healthcare,
over their work scheduled. Supporters of DTO affirm that where days off and getting the required amount of rest cru-
employees do not need to be cial to avoid making mistakes.
micro-managed and providing What would it happen if a sur-
them with generous time off Unlimited geon decides to work longer
is a good way to empower VACATION at work and perform more surgeries
the people who contribute to a instead of taking the neces-
company’s growth. The most sary days off to rest? Another
recent of the large tech companies to adopt DTO is LinkedIn, potential problem relates to the real intentions behind adopt-
announcing their intention to introduce the policy starting ing such policies. Some columnists and bloggers feel that this
November 1, 2015. action is made with the intention to force employees to work
This choice, however, isn’t completely altruistic. Some of more as they may feel insecure about whether taking a day off
the biggest benefits that the employer receives from such a policy is appropriate and respectful of company and colleagues.
include attracting and retaining more employees with a promise
of flexible vacation planning. It also saves these companies from Discussion Questions
certain hidden costs like unused leaves. Of course, DTO is not 11-23 What is your opinion on DTO? What motivation theory do
without rules. Employees cannot take an extended period of six- you think it has been inspired by? Explain whether or not you
months as leave, would need to guarantee that deadlines will be would adopt it in your organization.
met without overloading their colleagues’ schedule, and would 11-24 What is fundamental for the DTO policy to be effectively
also need their manager’s approval. implemented in organizations? Do you think there might be
If the DTO policy is as good as it seems on paper, why some equity problems in the management of personnel?
isn’t it a standard? The reason is probably because the benefits 11-25 Do you think that DTO can be applied in every industry or is it
are not as unequivocal as it seems. The reality shows that sev- only applicable for tech companies? Explain the reasons for
your answer.
eral companies, like Chicago Tribune, were forced to stop DTO 11-26 Should this unlimited vacation policy be adopted in all coun-
because of employee complaints and misuse of the policy. The tries or do you think it won’t work well in certain countries?
first problem is that DTO is based on the assumption that all Explain your answer using examples.