Answer:
a) employees can be motivated by open communication.
Explanation:
The answer is that Howie does not realize that employees can be motivated by open communication because by asking employees suggestions as to how jobs could be restructured to improve productivity, John Noble is trying to have a direct communication allowing employees to express their thoughts which will make them feel as part of the company and valued which will result in them feeling motivated to perform well in their job.
The other options are not right because employees won't be giving their opinions thinking on equity and ways to simplify job tasks are not the only suggestions that employees can provide.