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Reinforcement theory of motivation was proposed by BF Skinner and his
associates. It states that individual’s behaviour is a function of its
consequences. It is based on “law of effect”, i.e, individual’s
behaviour with positive consequences tends to be repeated, but
individual’s behaviour with negative consequences tends not to be
repeated.
Reinforcement theory of motivation overlooks the internal state of
individual, i.e., the inner feelings and drives of individuals are
ignored by Skinner. This theory focuses totally on what happens to an
individual when he takes some action. Thus, according to Skinner, the
external environment of the organization must be designed effectively
and positively so as to motivate the employee. This theory is a strong
tool for analyzing controlling mechanism for individual’s behaviour.
However, it does not focus on the causes of individual’s behaviour. |
The managers use the following methods for controlling the behaviour of the employees:
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Positive Reinforcement- This implies giving a
positive response when an individual shows positive and required
behaviour. For example - Immediately praising an employee for coming
early for job. This will increase probability of outstanding behaviour
occurring again. Reward is a positive reinforce, but not necessarily. If
and only if the employees’ behaviour improves, reward can said to be a
positive reinforcer. Positive reinforcement stimulates occurrence of a
behaviour. It must be noted that more spontaneous is the giving of
reward, the greater reinforcement value it has. |
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Negative Reinforcement- This implies rewarding an employee by removing negative / undesirable consequences.
Both positive and negative reinforcement can be used for increasing desirable / required behaviour. |
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Punishment- It implies removing positive
consequences so as to lower the probability of repeating undesirable
behaviour in future. In other words, punishment means applying
undesirable consequence for showing undesirable behaviour. For instance -
Suspending an employee for breaking the organizational rules.
Punishment can be equalized by positive reinforcement from alternative
source. |
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Extinction- It implies absence of
reinforcements. In other words, extinction implies lowering the
probability of undesired behaviour by removing reward for that kind of
behaviour. For instance - if an employee no longer receives praise and
admiration for his good work, he may feel that his behaviour is
generating no fruitful consequence. Extinction may unintentionally lower
desirable behaviour.
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Implications of Reinforcement Theory
Reinforcement theory explains in detail how an individual learns
behaviour. Managers who are making attempt to motivate the employees
must ensure that they do not reward all employees simultaneously. They
must tell the employees what they are not doing correct. They must tell
the employees how they can achieve positive reinforcement.
