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.