What has caused a decline in motivation among ABC's skilled scientists?

• A. The autocratic leadership style
• B. High workload
• C. Salary increases
• D. Flexible hours

Answer: (B)

Excessive workload tends to drain motivation because it creates stress, fatigue, and less time for meaningful, high-quality work. When skilled scientists are overloaded with experiments, deadlines, and constant pressure, they may feel overwhelmed and lose the sense of achievement and autonomy that fuels intrinsic motivation. That combination lowers engagement and enthusiasm, leading to a decline in motivation.

Autocratic leadership can affect motivation, but the scenario points to the burden of too much work rather than how decisions are made. Salary increases and flexible hours usually boost motivation by improving rewards and work-life balance, not cause a decline.