Is the theory of motivation in which behavior is explained as a response?

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:

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.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.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.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.

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.

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It's 8pm on Sunday. You set your alarm clock and prepare yourself for the week ahead. Perhaps you're thinking about how you'll get through another work or school week. Reality hits you the following day, telling you that you need to get your act together. What motivates you to continue showing up at work may not be as inspiring to someone else, but this shows that we all need motivation in some form or another.

Motivation is what compels a person to do something. It is the process that stimulates a person to make decisions and work ways to achieve desired goals. The process involves biological, psychological, and environmental factors that affect behavior.

• Why is motivation important?
• What are the theories of motivation?
• What is Maslow's theory of motivation?
• What is the cognitive theory of motivation?
• What is the expectancy theory of motivation?

The Importance of Motivation

Motivation plays a significant role in business, education, health, the environment, and the community in general. The individual in the workplace learns to adapt and be productive when motivation drives him to develop competencies, become creative, make plans, and set personal goals.

A student who performs better in class becomes an enthusiastic learner and has persistent effort when motivation compels him to complete his education.

The motive to take corrective actions is needed when people face fluctuating circumstances in their health and the community or environment. A sick person is motivated to make lifestyle changes to improve their health. People who become aware of society's problems and solutions become involved in community development because they want to improve society.

Factors That Influence Motivation

There are two types of factors that influence our motivation - extrinsic and intrinsic.

Extrinsic Factors

External factors such as avoiding punishment or receiving a reward can affect a person's behavior.

A teen who doesn't want to be constantly nagged by her mother for not putting out the trash now makes it a point to do so every morning. Another example is a salesperson who is determined to meet his sales target because of promised trip rewards from his employer (receiving a reward).

Intrinsic Factors

A person does something because of the satisfying experience and not the desire for external reward.

When people enjoy baking for others or gardening because they find it calming or practice a difficult musical piece on the piano because they like challenges, they are intrinsically motivated.

What is Motivation Theory?

Motivation theory is the understanding of mechanisms that influence a person's behavior to attain an objective. There are many theories of motivation in psychology that explain these mechanisms. Some psychologists attributed internal factors as an explanation for driving certain behaviors. Other researchers described mental processes and external consequences of behavior as the reason for motivation.

Theories of Motivation in Psychology and examples

Some motivation theory examples include Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, Alderfer's ERG theory, Goal-setting theory, and Expectancy theory. Researchers have classified them into content and process theories. In a nutshell, content theories explain motivation, and process theories show how "motivation" occurs.

Content Theories of Motivation

The idea behind content theories is that internal factors drive a behavior. These theories think of motivation as the result of such internal factors prompting an action (behavior) to satisfy needs.

One example may be thirst and hunger, motivating an individual to eat and drink to reduce these unpleasant feelings.

The four common content theories of motivation are the following: Maslow's hierarchy of needs, Alderfer's ERG theory, Herzberg's motivator-hygiene theory, and McClelland's learned needs theory suggested three needs learned at a young age, mainly: the need for achievement, the need for affiliation, and the need for power.

What are the behavioral theories of motivation?

What is the theory of motivation called?

What are the 4 main theories of motivation?

What approach to explaining motivation states that behavior is explained as a response to the external stimulus and its rewarding properties?