Answer to Question #262938 in Management for Riya

Question

Nikita is a Change Manager with Nelson & Murdock. In the view of the way the business

landscape is evolving with more reliance on technology, she intends to bring about many

new initiatives which require employees to unlearn certain aspects and learn many new

approaches. Many learning theories have been prevalent which organizations use from

time to time.

a. If employees need to learn certain model behaviors demonstrated by leaders, which

learning theory should Nikita select for faster results?

b. How does learning through reinforcement bring about behavior modification in

employees?

Answer 1

a) Nikita should choose cognitive psychology as the most influential learning theory for faster results. Employees are no longer seen as collections of responses to environmental stimuli, as behaviorists understand them, but as information processors, according to the idea.

b) In reinforcement, the rate of the target behavior is increased by giving a reward (i.e., “positive reinforcement”) or by removing an unpleasant stimulus (i.e., “negative reinforcement”) immediately or shortly after each occurrence of the behavior. A common positive-reinforcement technique is the incentive program, a formal scheme used to promote or encourage specific actions, behaviors, or results from employees over a defined period of time. Incentive programs can reduce turnover, boost morale and loyalty, improve wellness, increase retention, and drive daily performance among employees. Motivating staff will in turn help business outcomes and increase efficiency. Managers are responsible for identifying what behaviors should be promoted and what should be discouraged and must carefully consider organizational objectives in this process. Implementing rewards and punishments that parallel the organization‘s goals helps to create a work culture and work environment that embodies those goals and objectives.