The project manager needs to motivate the team; however, is an insufficient budget for awards. Which of the following motivating agents is the MOST appropriate option the project manager can utilize?

Reducing workload may relieve stress but does not actively motivate team members or signal recognition of their contributions.

Replacing resources addresses a performance problem, not a motivation problem, and has no motivating effect on the existing team.

Extending the timeline relieves schedule pressure but is not a motivating agent and can signal poor planning rather than reward.

Providing additional responsibility leverages intrinsic motivation by signaling trust and recognition of competence, which are key drivers of job satisfaction identified in motivation theories such as Herzberg's two-factor theory and Maslow's hierarchy. It costs nothing and can increase a team member's sense of ownership and career growth. This is a direct alternative to monetary awards when the budget is constrained.