Pixar Case Analysis

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Case Analysis 2 Pixar: Animated Geniuses March 29, 2011 Case 14: Pixar: Animated Geniuses What Motivates Jobs Steve Jobs has spent millions of dollars investing in Pixar against what seemed to be insurmountable odds. However, just as Alvy Ray Smith states, “Steve just would not suffer a defeat”(Schermerhorn, 2007, p. 449). This statement personifies Steve Jobs’ motivation; the driving force of all his expended efforts, aimed at achieving his set goals. Some of the needs theories discussed in chapter fourteen may offer some insight as to why Jobs relentlessly sought success. For example, some motivation to work may be attributed to Abraham Maslow’s higher-order needs. Specifically that of self-actualization; Jobs was motivated by the fact that he had failed to reach his desired full potential, his abilities and skills had not been used to the highest extent possible. Furthermore, Jobs’ persistent effort also falls under David McClelland’s acquired manifest needs theory, in particular the need for achievement. Schermerhorn (2007, p. 298) defines this need for achievement as “the desire to do something better, to solve problems, or to master complex tasks.” This is evident through Jobs’ desire to hire the most talented animators and creative types. In addition to this, Pixar prides itself on actively pursuing technological advances and being at the forefront of the latest software trends. Jobs Never Quits Victor Vroom’s expectancy theory states that Motivation is the end result of expectancy multiplied by instrumentality multiplied by valence. If Jobs were to not possess any of the three qualities listed (expectancy, instrumentality, valence) he and his employees would lack motivation, meaning the downfall of Pixar. There are several ways in which Jobs can and did maximize these traits though. Job’s selected workers with ability
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