Writing a high-scoring answer in the RBI descriptive paper

1. Always define the core terms and concepts of the question.
2. Use points, so the examiner can follow you.
3. Link general points to the Management, Finance or Economic theories you have studied.
4. Use examples to support your points.
5. Cover the other side of the coin as well.
6. End with an apt, optimistic conclusion.

Worked example: “Outline the role of incentives in building up employee morale.” [2014, HRD]

Define: incentives are rewards or benefits an organisation uses to encourage desirable behaviour. Employee morale is the overall outlook, satisfaction and confidence employees feel at work.

• Motivation: by Maslow’s hierarchy, monetary incentives meet safety and esteem needs; recognition or leading a project meets self-actualisation.
• Job satisfaction: in Herzberg’s two-factor theory, incentives are motivators, e.g. stock options at start-ups.
• Engagement: by the Job Characteristics Model, a learning allowance builds skill variety and task identity.
• Team morale: by expectancy theory, team-based incentives make everyone invested in the group.

The other side: the overjustification effect says too much extrinsic motivation can undermine intrinsic motivation, and badly designed schemes breed unhealthy competition and mistrust.

Conclude: incentives build morale through motivation, satisfaction, engagement and teamwork, but must be fair and transparent to avoid the opposite effect.