Learning, Knowledge and Human Development MOOC’s Updates

Behaviorism, Positive Reinforcement and Workplace

Classic Behaviorism is a theory of learning based on the principle that all behaviors are obtained through conditioning. Ivan Pavlov and Jon B Watson advocate that that behavior could be best understood by stimulus and response.

B. F. Skinner inaugurates Modern Behaviorism bringing the variable and observable environmental consequences as a relevant factor in stimulus-response. 

Joining classic and modern behaviorisms we can assume that the key concepts of behaviorism comprise are:

  • the stimulus-response equation;
  • the classical and operant conditioning; and
  • the reinforcement and punishment notions.

According to Skinner, human beings feel free when they're controlling instead of doing things freely. He also adds that when people are in control of their own behaviors they are able to achieve much more, making better use of their talents. 

In terms of behavioral modification, Skinner says positive reinforcement usually works better than punishment, but some people they're not sensible for positive reinforcements and some aspects and that's why negative conditioning is also relevant. 

For practical purposes, let's focus on positive reinforcement notions applied to an organizational environment.

As we know organizations are used to adopt a few practices to encourage their employees to add more value to the business and expand their market shares or improve their profits.

So how does positive reinforcement works in workplaces?

Time by time, usually Annually or semesterly, top performers employees are recognized for collaborating with the success of the organization.

Organizations raise their salaries, offer monetary bonuses, extra vacation days, verbal praise, stock options, and/or team members under them.

These are good examples of positive reinforcements commonly adopted by organizations that encourage their employees to work smarter/harder for a promotion establishing a gain-gain flow. 

If you were interested in behaviorism and Skinner's theory and are curious to explore deeper any point mentioned above, please access the links below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDi9VdEzpeI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ir5znnr4Ok

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpDmRc8-pyU

  • Sweetzhyl Sayson