Ethics of Motivation Strategies

1. Although there were some legal ramifications for what Hooter’s did, do you think what they did to the
waitress was also unethical?
Yes, what Hooter's did to the waitress was unethical. The discrepancy between the promised
prize (a new Toyota) and the actual reward (a toy Yoda) was misleading and violated trust, weakening the
integrity of the motivation strategy.

2. Do you think that the waitresses were lied to? If so, do you think lying to employees is unethical?
The waitresses were indeed misled, and lying to employees is generally considered unethical.
Honest communication is crucial for maintaining trust within the workplace, and deceiving employees
can lead to dissatisfaction and a negative work environment.

3. What do you think about the motivating strategy of allowing employees to rip off the shirts of other
employees? Is humiliating employees ethical?
Allowing employees to humiliate each other, such as ripping off shirts, is unethical. This type of
motivator fosters a hostile and degrading atmosphere, potentially leading to negative consequences like
bullying and fear tactics, which go against principles of fair and respectful workplace practices.

4. Is it ethical to promise money or other monetary compensation to students for studying hard? What if
the losing students actually studied harder then the winner, but the winner only did well because he/she
just happened to be brighter? Would giving that student the money be fair to the students who studied
hard?
Promising money or other compensation for studying hard is generally ethical, as it can
incentivize effort and achievement. However, fairness concerns arise if the winner's success is not a
result of genuine effort but inherent abilities. It's important to design reward systems that genuinely
reflect the worth and effort.

5. Does the fact that these motivation techniques had the desired result by increasing sales or
decreasing the use of paper outweigh any negative consequences of such motivators?
The desired results, such as increased sales or reduced paper usage, do not necessarily outweigh
the negative consequences of unethical motivators. Short-term success should not justify practices that
promote dishonesty, humiliation, or unfair treatment among employees. Long-term organizational
health requires ethical motivation strategies that prioritize both results and ethical considerations.