Case Study Analysis (Milestone Two):
Engstrom Auto Mirror Plant: Motivating in Good Times and Bad
Patrice Tave-Wagner
Southern New Hampshire University
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Abstract
In Milestone Two, I have identified the root causes of known organizational issues from a
human behavior perspective for the case study analysis of the Engstrom Auto Mirror Plant:
Motivating in Good Times and Bad. Also, analyzing root causes from a human behavior
perspective and validating my review with supportive research evidence. Lastly, explaining the
resulting impact of poorly aligned and administered human behavior theories and concepts
developed an explanation of the organizational issues within the case study.
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II. Root Cause Case Study Analysis
To comprehend the root causes, it is crucial to explain the measures taken by the
management that has resulted in the current loss of productivity. In the 1950s, the company faced
a scenario where the quality of the products was on a decline. This is immediately after the
company had undergone some difficult financial situations and had to lay off some employees.
To deal with this reduction in productivity, the company introduced bonuses as a reward system
(Beer & Collins, 2008). This worked by rewarding the most productive members of the
company. It did work, until a point where the bonuses were scrapped, and this led to the removal
of the management at that time. In its place, the current administration took charge of the
company. The first thing that they did was to reintroduce the bonus system, and it did work (Beer
& Collins, 2008). However, in the mid-2000s, the company was forced to lay off some
employees, and with it came a reduction in productivity yet again.
The human theory of motivation gives clues as to what could be the problem within this
company. The theory suggests that human motivation in a company is a result of three factors,
and these are equity, achievement, and camaraderie ("Sirota's Three-Factor Theory", 2020)
These three factors can explain the underlying organizational issues.
The employees experienced a lack of equity, and this resulted in their loss of motivation.
According to the human theory of motivation, an employee who experiences fairness in the
company will be motivated to work harder, and this was lacking in the company ("Sirota's Three
Factor Theory", 2020). To begin with, the employees were being laid off immediately after the
company experienced some financial downturn (Beer & Collins, 2008). However, none of the
management lost their jobs. This made them feel as if some employees are more important than