OCB Opportunity! Mini-Case

OCB Opportunity: Motivation + Retention Mini-Case

This assignment is not required, but you can do it to gain a little bit of participation bonus in the course.

Case: Diversity Training

Your company provides diversity-training programs to ensure that employees realize the importance of working with a diverse workforce, are aware of the equal employment opportunity legislation, and are capable of addressing the challenges of working in a multicultural workforce. Participation in these programs is mandatory, and employees are required to take the training as many times as needed until they pass. The training program lasts one day and is usually conducted in a nice hotel outside of the workplace. Employees are paid for the time they spend in the training program. You realize that employees are not really motivated to perform well in this program. During the training, they put in the minimum level of effort, and most participants fail the exam given at the conclusion of the training program and then have to retake the training.

FOR BONUS CREDIT

1. Briefly share why should we care about diversity training and the awareness this training seeks to impart. Does it have any implications for retention? (Cite specific items from your textbook and this web site. Source them using APA format.)
2. Using the motivation theory of your choice, briefly explain why the employees may not be motivated to perform well in the training program.
3. Finally, briefly suggest improvements in the program so that employees are motivated to understand the material, pass the exam, and apply the material in the workplace.

(Note: A memo format (McLean, 2010) is ideal for this assignment.)