Behavior Modification

Learning theory alone has important implications for managers, but organizational behavior modification has even more practical applications. Behavior modification is the application of reinforcement theory to influence the behaviors of people in organizational settings. One aspect of behavior modification is the use of various kinds of reinforcement when employees are observed behaving in desired or undesired ways. Positive reinforcement involves the use of rewards to increase the likelihood that a desired behavior - high performance, for instance - will be repeated. Negative reinforcement is based on the removal of current or future unpleasant consequences to increase the likelihood that someone will repeat a behavior. In other words, avoidance or removal of something undesirable can be motivating. In terms of behavior modification, any behavior can be understood as being a result of its consequences. In other words, as a manager, you get whatever behaviors you are rewarding.