Define Morale. Write importance of Morale

Morale has been variously defined by different authors. Professor Ralph C. Davis says, “Good organizational morale is a condition in which individuals and groups voluntarily make a reasonable subordination of their personal objectives of their organization”. According to Dale Yoder and Paul D. Standohar, “ Morale means evident commitment, that is and Paul D. Standohar, “Morale means evident commitment, that is, demonstrated spirit, enthusiasm, and confidence in the organization’s policies, programmes , and accomplishments. Morale is revealed by what individuals and groups say and accomplishments. Morale is revealed by what individuals and groups say and do to show an interest in, understanding of, and personal identification with work-team survival and success”. Edwin B. Filippo has described morale as “ A mental condition or attitude of individuals and groups which determines their willingness to co-operate. Good morale is evidenced by employee enthusiasm, voluntary conformance with regulations and orders, and a willingness to co-operate with others in the accomplishment of an organization’s objectives. Poor morale is evinced by surliness, insubordination, a feeling of discouragement and dislike of the job, company and associates.”

According to Haimann, “It is a state of mind and emotions affecting the attitude and willingness to work, which in turn, affect individual and organizational objectives.” Joseph D. Mooney describes morale as “the sum total of several psychological qualities which include courage, fortitude, resolution, and above all, confidence.

Importance of Morale:

1. The employee’s background-which includes his levels of indigence and education and his type of personality-largely determines the way in which he seeks to fulfill his needs for belonging, esteem, and self realization. High morale hinges on the satisfaction of these needs.

2. An employee’s personal environment encompasses his relations with his family, friends, and neighbors. The employee brings his thoughts of his home and social life with him when he goes to work and they influence his thinking and attitudes while on the job.

Management practices influencing morale include policies on procedures with respect to wages, promotion methods employee services and benefits, working conditions, handling grievances, disciplinary actions