Question 1. What, according to you, were the reasons for Rohit's disillusionment?

Answer the question using Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.

Answer: Maslow’s theory of needs explains the hierarchy of five needs within any human
being. With the satisfaction of each need the next need becomes dominant and the
flow is from bottom to top. Basic 2 needs (Physiological and safety) of Rohit
were satisfied at Zen as well as at Apex.

Rohit was disillusioned and disappointed at Apex when his expectations were
led down by the behaviour of his superior and team leader Aparna. He expected
that Aparna is similar to Suresh Reddy (superior in his previous company i.e.,
Zen computers) in terms of leadership, guidance and work behaviour. But the
reality came out to be complete opposite. Aparna did not take much interest in
the ideas and suggestions by her subordinates.
Following needs of Rohit were not satisfied completely.
 Social: This is the 3rd and middle most need which is related to acceptance
and belongingness. This need was not completely satisfied as Rohit considered
himself as an experienced and intelligent subordinate but his talent and ideas
were not much accepted and he was asked to do only what was told to. This also
led to a feeling of alienation for him.
 Esteem: The need for recognition and status of a person. Even after being a
smart, intelligent and bright employee, Rohit was not given due recognition,
respect and status in the organisation. He was not given any opportunity and
freedom to showcase his talent and ideas in the team projects.
 Self-actualisation: Due to the organizational environment and behaviour of
his superior Aparna, Rohit was not able to grow as he started to lose interest and
became highly demotivated. He did not get enough opportunities to explore his
potential and he feared of becoming a typical techie. This is the top most level
need which cannot be fulfilled until the previous needs are satisfied because this
is how the Maslow’s theory of hierarchical needs flow.
Question 2. What should Rohit do to resolve his situation? What can a team leader do to
ensure high levels of motivation among his/her team members?
Answer: In order to solve his disillusionment Rohit can do the following:
1. Talk to teammates: Rohit can discuss his problems and situation with the
other members of his team in order to get some suggestions. There may be any
other member who have faced the same situation earlier and can guide Rohit
on how to get over such situations and keep up the morale and maintain
emotional and mental stability. The members may also help him to explore his
potential by effective discussions.
2. Talk to Aparna: Rohit can directly discuss the situation with his team leader
about the problems faced by him, extent to which the behaviour of Aparna is
affecting his growth and motivation. He can also discuss the importance of
open discussion between the team members for effective completion of the
project and can convince Aparna to give value to the ideas and opinions of the
members and request for better guidance and support. He may even take some
other members with him if they are facing the same issue.
3. Talk to higher authorities: In case of negligence of his request Rohit can
communicate with the higher authorities of Apex for the same. He can request
for a different superior or to be assigned to a different team where he gets an
opportunity to explore and at the same time his opinions and ideas are heard
and valued. He should clearly state the problems to the authorities for better
decision making.
4. Look for opportunities somewhere else: In case of working conditions
remaining stagnant even after doing the aforementioned suggestions, Rohit
must try to look for a company with better working environment. He should
consider his career growth as an important factor and find a place where his
ideas and experience will be given due respect and value and a place where he
can become the best version of himself and can grow gradually.

To ensure that the team members have a high level of motivation a leader can:
 Involve team members in active and open discussion while decision making
and problem solving for a project.
 The team leader can praise the members who come with the most effective
solution for the problems. This can motivate and encourage the members to
give more inputs.
 Delegation of work and responsibilities according to the calibre of the
member and checking on the progress.
 Frequent interruptions and interference must be avoided and members must
be given appropriate time to perform their roles.
 Lastly, a leader must be a good listener in terms of ideas, suggestions and
even for the problems faced by the members.