LivingSocial Escapes, which offers a range of outdoor excursions, demands high commitment from employees. When hiring new workers, founder Bram Levy offers only the most basic outline of job responsibilities. “Think about the brand and what we’re trying to develop,” Levy tells new recruits. “Now take it and formulate what you think will be best and run with it.” The employees must then come up with creative ideas and execute them. Although it is demanding, this approach to motivation has great benefits for employees.

Discussion Questions:

1. Which needs in Maslow’s hierarchy are most important to the employees who work for Living Social Escapes? How can managers use this information to develop a highly motivated workforce?

2. According to equity theory, how might a LivingSocial Escapes guide react if he or she feels underpaid or unappreciated?

3. What outcomes or rewards possess high valence for managers and guides who work at LivingSocial Escapes?