Answer to Question #198311 in Management for Bob

Question

Mike Taylor manages an advertising agency in New York. Although he runs his business quite loosely, he has one employee whp is chronically late to everything: meetings, appointments, even getting to work. It's gotten to the point where the other employees are "rumbling" about it. It is time to do something. What advice would you give Mike in shaping this employee's behaviour

The answer should not be less than 300 words

Answer 1

How can managers shape employee behavior?

According to Robbins and Judge, positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, punishment and extinction are the four methods used by managers to shape employee’s behavior. Positive reinforcement, one of the methods most frequently used, rewards employees for performing well (Robbins, S, & Judge, T., 2007). Many companies have some sort of recognition program, either formal or informal that identifies members who have performed exceptionally. These programs are designed to encourage employees and often have incentives both monetary and non-monetary (Teo, E.Ling, Y. , & Ong, D. , 2005).

 People typically perform at a higher level when they feel they are appreciated. Negative reinforcement, another behavior shaping tool can include supervisor’s constant nagging or criticism, unpleasant assignments or the threat of losing one’s position (Toe et, al., 2005). No one wants to hear constant nagging or be warned that their job is in jeopardy. Most people work because they need the income and with negative reinforcement managers can ensure employees are putting forth quality in their productivity.

Most organizations have focused on positive reinforcement in the form of some sort of reward system because they fear punishment will result in employees showing aggression. Researchers have proven that punishment is effective in reducing and eliminating undesirable behavior (Arvery et, al., 1980). Positive reinforcement is the best behavioral modification in every organization.

Each phase of the production usually has a team that reviews each product before it is sent forward to another phase of production or outside of the company. In a quality circle there must be a clear understanding of the role of the customer and employees at every level must be involved and committed to the success of the organization. There has to be open communication between managers and employees (Goh, M. , 2000).