This depends a lot on the kind of work to be done and the general context. If the boss needs simple physical labor and people who are fired are generally worth off than those keeping the job, then motivation through fear can be an effective strategy.

If on the other hand you have brainy intellectual work and people can just look for another job in a different company, motivation through fear is a terrible strategy and is almost guaranteed to backfire.

This depends a lot on the kind of work to be done and the general context. If the boss needs simple physical labor and people who are fired are generally worse off than those keeping the job, then motivation through fear can be an effective strategy.

If on the other hand you have brainy intellectual work and people can just look for another job in a different company, motivation through fear is a terrible strategy and is almost guaranteed to backfire.