Theories Of Reinforcement Theory

Reinforcement theory is the process of determining behavior by controlling the consequences of the behavior. In reinforcement system, a combination of rewards and/or punishments is used to reinforce desired behavior or extinguish unwanted behavior. Reinforcement theory of motivation was proposed by BF Skinner and his associates. It states that personality’s behaviour is a function of its consequences.

Reinforcement theory of motivation directs 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

It increases the probability of outstanding behaviour occurring again. The reward is a positive reinforce, but not necessarily. Positive reinforcement encourages occurrence of a behaviour. It must be noted that more spontaneous is the giving of reward, the greater reinforcement value it has. Positive reinforcement is "One pleasant or desirable consequences that follow a response and increases the probability that the response will be repeated". Giving rewards may not result in the desired effect or behavior, but the reward must motivate the person to produce the desired behavior to be positive reinforcement. This means that the reinforcement should be highly motivating to the individual. Positive reinforcement uses the reward system. The reward system is a collection of brain structures which attempt to regulate and control behavior by inducing pleasurable effects. Some examples of rewards in the workplace are monetary bonuses, promotions, praise, paid holiday, leave, and

This implies rewarding an employee by removing negative / undesirable consequences. This occurs when something already present is removed (taken away) as a result of a person 's behaviour, creating a favourable outcome for that person. Negative reinforcement uses the reward system. A person is rewarded for desired behavior by having something unpleasant removed. This removal is the reward. If a person is doing their job to the highest standard, they may not be monitored as closely anymore. This removal of the monitoring is the reward for consistently doing their job well.Basically, when a person 's behaviour leads to the removal of something that was unpleasant to that person then negative reinforcement occurs. In negative reinforcement, a response or behavior is strengthened by stopping, removing or avoiding a negative outcome.

Punishment - It implies removing positive concerns so as to lower the probability of repeating the 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