Answer to Question #178706 in Management for Maham

Question

Essex Enterprises is a renowned logistics company which has spread its operations in 7 countries across the globe. They are recognized as the best learning organization due to their policies and processes and systems. One of the reasons for their success is that they have successfully applied the Reinforcement Theory of Learning since their inception.

a. Why is Reinforcement Theory also called as Behaviour Modification Theory? (5 Marks)

b. How can reinforcement be administered effectively? 

Answer 1

a)     Reinforcement Theory is also known as Behaviour Modification Theory since it focuses entirely on what happens to an individual when he takes some action. To inspire employees, the organization's external atmosphere must be built efficiently and positively. This theory is a powerful method for understanding the mechanisms that influence an individual's behavior. It does not, however, concentrate on the causes of individual behavior. It notes that an individual's behavior is a result of the consequences of his or her actions. It is based on the "rule of impact," which states that individual behavior with positive consequences is more likely to be replicated, whereas behavior with negative consequences is less likely to be repeated. Reinforcement theory describes how an individual learns to behave in a specific way. Managers who are attempting to inspire their workers must make sure that they do not reward all of them at the same time. They must inform the workers of what they are failing to do correctly. They must explain to the workers how positive reinforcement can be achieved. It uses methods like negative reinforcement, positive reinforcement, punishment, and extinction to control human behavior.

b)     Reinforcement is a concept used in behavioral therapy and in the sense of operant conditioning, which is a type of deliberate behavior change. It's the process of making a (measurable) action more common. Basic examples of such actions include the speed at which a lever is pulled, the length with which a button is held down, and the speed with which a switch is flipped after a certain noise.

Salary raises, bonuses, promotions, variable incomes, flexible work hours, and compensated sabbaticals are examples of reinforcers in the workplace. The reward program, a standardized scheme used to facilitate or encourage specific acts, attitudes, or outcomes from workers over a given period of time, is one of the most popular positive-reinforcement techniques. Employee incentive programs can help to minimize turnover, enhance morale and engagement, improve fitness, boost retention, and motivate everyday efficiency. Motivating employees can improve business outcomes and productivity. Managers are in charge of determining which activities should be encouraged and which should be discouraged, and they must keep organizational goals in mind during the process. Using incentives and penalties that are aligned with the organization's priorities will help to foster a work atmosphere and community that reflects those goals and objectives.