HRM 301 Organizational Behavior

Dr. N. Rotter

Operant conditioning and observational learning

George & Jones: Chap. 5

Objectives:

After today's session, you should be able to:

1. Explain the differences between traps and fences and give examples of each

2. Describe the arguments for and against punishment in organizations

3. Describe the conditions for making punishment or discipline more effective

4. Explain the process or observational learning

5. Comprehend how learning is involves in training, behavior management, and discipline

I. Operant conditioning, continued

A. A review of some aspects of reinforcement

1. Positive and negative reinforcement

2. Qualities of reinforcement

3. Traps and fences

B. Reducing undesirable behaviors -- punishment and discipline

1. Arguments for and against punishment

2. Marking punishment more effective

3. How mangers discipline

II Observational learning -- learning by watching

A. Distinctiveness of the theory

1. Use of cognition

2. Vicarious learning

3. Use of motivation -- self-efficacy

4. Person is active -- self-control

5. Efficient way to learn

B. Vicarious learning

1. Modeling -- attention, perception, memory

2. Motor reproduction processes (ability and practice)

3. Response consequences

C. Motivation and self-efficacy

D. Self-control