What is Reinforcement Theory Case Study
Key Learning Outcomes
By the end of the case, students should be able to:
- Understand the restraining forces of change and the strategies that can be used to overcome them
- Understand how to use the Reinforcement Theory to overcome the restraining forces of change
- Learn how to use the Reinforcement Theory in any organization
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Reinforcement Theory is a fundamental principle that suggests that individuals’ actions are directed by their purposes. This theory is a behavioral approach that explains human behavior. This theory focuses primarily on what happens when an individual takes an action ignoring the inner state of an individual. This theory is used as a motivation to help workers improve their performance at the workplace. This theory was initiated by BF Skinner whilst working with the lab rats' devices. Here he used to attempt and remove a comparable behavior from the rats by retaining them in serious circumstances and he was successful at achieving what he intended to achieve. According to the theory, individual responses are a reaction to a certain stimulus, and individuals are likely to choose that which is likely to give out positive outcomes. The idea was expressed by E.L. Thorndike in 1911 and it is now called the law of effect. The law of effect states that satisfying behaviors are likely to be repeated compared to unsatisfactory behaviors. This study is going to explore the significance of information technology in the management and development of human resources in an organization.