Final answer:
The term for an employee's annual bonus is 'variable compensation,' which is external to their base salary. Work content is a significant predictor of job satisfaction, and variable ratio reinforcement schedules, like those in slot machines, help maintain a high response rate. Monetary gains like Carl's $20 for mowing a lawn are an example of extrinsic motivation. The correct option is b. Variable compensation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that describes an employee's annual bonus is variable compensation. This type of compensation is considered separate from the employee's base rate, which is their standard rate of pay (salary or hourly). Variable compensation is typically used as an incentive and can fluctuate based on the company's performance criteria and the employee's contribution to these results.
Beyond the salary, there are other aspects that can contribute to a worker's job satisfaction. According to research, the most strongly predictive factor of overall job satisfaction is often the work content, indicating the intrinsic value of the work itself for the employee.
In behaviourism, rewards can be used to reinforce certain behaviours. For example, slot machines reward gamblers with money according to a variable-ratio reinforcement schedule. This is designed to maintain a high level of response due to the unpredictability of the reward timing.
When discussing motivations, Carl mowing the yard for $20 represents extrinsic motivation, as it's a reward-driven behavior. On the other hand, the idea that hard work is its own reward exemplifies intrinsic motivation, where the activity is rewarding in itself without the need for external incentives.
Lastly, certain incentives appeal to people due to their concern for a cause or a movement. These are known as purposeful incentives, which can motivate individuals when they feel they are contributing to a meaningful objective.