Chapter 8: Feedback, Rewards, Reinforcement

Operant Behavior

Behavior that is learned when one "operates on" the environment to produce desired consequences.

Total Rewards

Encompass not only compensation and benefits, but also personal and professional growth opportunities and a motivating work environment that includes recognition, job design, and work-life balance.

Extrinsic Rewards

Financial, material, and social rewards.

Feedback

Information about individual or collective performance shared with those in a position to improve the situation.

Intermittent Reinforcement

Involves reinforcement of some but not all instances of target behavior.

360-Degree Feedback

Letting individuals compare their own perceived performance with behaviorally specific (and usually anonymous) performance information from their manager, subordinates, and peers.

Fixed Interval

Paychecks (once every two weeks or once a month); annual bonus.

Fixed Ratio

Piece-rate pay; bonuses tied to the sale of a fixed number of units.

Positive Reinforcement

Process of strengthening a behavior by contingently presenting something pleasing.

Intrinsic Rewards

Psychic rewards which are self-granted.

Variable Interval

Random supervisory praise and pats on the back for employees who have been doing a good job.

Thorndike's Law of Effect

Says that behaviors with favorable consequences tend to be repeated, while behaviors with unfavorable consequences tend to disappear.

Variable Ratio

Slot machines that pay off after a variable number of lever pulls; lotteries that pay off after the purchase of a variable number of tickets.

Upward Feedback

Stands the traditional approach on its head by having lower-level employees provide feedback on a manager's style and performance.

Negative Reinforcement

Strengthens a desired behavio by contingently withdrawing something displeasing.

Shaping

The process of reinforcing closer and closer approximations to a target behavior.

Punishment

The process of weakening behavior through either the contingent presentation of something displeasing or the contingent withdrawal of something positive.

Respondent Behavior

Unlearned reflexes or stimulus-response connections.

Extinction

Weakening a behavior by ignoring it or making sure it is not reinforced.

Continuous Reinforcement

When your personal computer is operating properly, the fact that it successfully boots up every time you turn it on.