The job interest of the employees in your department is best secured by:

• A. Creating in each man a sense of his individual importance to the job as a whole
• B. Giving good workers special privileges
• C. Requesting their advice on all important matters
• D. Constantly bringing up new matters

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is that people stay interested in their work when they feel it has personal meaning and that they matter to the organization. Creating in each person a sense of his individual importance to the job as a whole does exactly that by making the work feel essential and by giving him ownership over his contribution. When workers see how their efforts fit into the bigger picture and are recognized for their value, motivation becomes intrinsic—driven by pride and commitment rather than external rewards alone.

Giving good workers special privileges can create perceptions of unfairness and jealousy, which undermines overall motivation and interest in the job. Asking for advice on all important matters sounds engaging, but it’s often impractical and can blur lines of responsibility, potentially overwhelming people rather than sustaining long-term interest. Constantly bringing up new matters disrupts focus and can lead to fatigue or a sense that the job is never settled, reducing rather than increasing engagement.

So recognizing each person’s meaningful role best secures sustained job interest.