Questions related to the topics of Work and its Rewards and Organizational Design:
1) Rewards are an oft-discussed component of organizational systems. One useful contrast is between intrinsic and extrinsic rewards. Which of these is of greater importance to the creation of meaningful work? What are the specific intrinsic rewards which contribute to meaningful work? What are the specific extrinsic rewards which contribute to meaningful work?
2) Why do some people engage in volunteer activities? Are there extrinsic rewards associated with non-compensatory work? If so, what are these extrinsic rewards? Are there intrinsic rewards associated with non-compensatory work? If so, what are these intrinsic rewards?
3) What is revealed about your view of human nature in your answers to the previous two questions?
4) Is there a meaningful distinction to be made between intrinsic and extrinsic rewards? If so, why is this distinction 'useful'?
5) What is the relationship (if any) between monetary compensation and meaningful work?
6) Organizations are organized in a variety of ways. One common distinction is between mechanistic and organic organizational systems. Is one organizational scheme inherently more conducive to the creation of meaningful work?
7) Organizations are often described in terms of hierarchy, using terms such as 'tall' organizations vs 'flat' organizations. Is one organizational scheme inherently more conducive to the creation of meaningful work?
8) Yet another characteristic of organizations is the degree of centralization of decision-making. How (if at all) is this reflected in organizational charts, which are designed to outline 'chains of command' in companies? Is centralized decision-making related to meaningful work? For whom? Is decentralized decision-making related to meaningful work? For whom? What is the relationship between autonomy, control, and meaningful work?
9) Think of an organization with which you have some degree of familiarity. Describe several systemic organizational changes which could be implemented as a means to make work more meaningful for organizational participants.
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