Title

Will Understanding an Employee's Cultural Background Help Managers Define an Employee's Motivational Needs?

Author

Richard B. Butte, Concordia University, St. Paul

Date

2002

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Chairperson (Advisor 1)

Dr. Charlotte Knoche

Reader (Advisor 2)

Dr. Kimora Kachelmyer

Abstract

Cultural variability among employees is changing the dynamics of organizations across the United States. One ethnic group in particular, Hispanics in Central Minnesota, is currently providing important labor resources to a variety of industries in this geographic location, and this trend is expected to continue. This thesis takes on the purpose of helping supervisors and managers recognize that a better understanding of an employee's cultural background will help in developing motivational strategies that meet the needs of a culturally diverse workforce. Through this effort, it is hoped that organizations will provide the appropriate motivational programs that not only help the organization become more productive, but also help the Hispanic employees find satisfaction and fulfillment from their work.

The reader will first find brief overviews of three motivational theorists, Fredric Herzberg, Abraham Maslow, and Douglas McGregor, which form the foundation for this thesis's exploration. Second, information has been presented that highlights the anticipated shifts in labor force ethnicity in the United States over the next several years. Subsequently, the reader will find a discussion pertaining to cultural influence on motivation, followed by this author's research findings derived from survey data gathered from a group of Hispanic's in Central Minnesota. Finally, a conclusion of the data is presented, as well as the author's comments regarding the survey methodology and recommendations for further research.

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