Learning
A change in behavior acquired through experience
Classical Conditioning
Modifying behavior by pairing a conditioned stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit an unconditioned response
Operant Conditioning
Modifying behavior through the use of positive or negative consequences following specific behaviors.
Describe behavioral theories of learning
The behaviorist approach to learning assumes that observable behavior is a function of its consequences. Behaviorist argue that learning stems from classical and operant conditioning.
Classical conditioning is the process of modifying behavior so that pairing a conditioned stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus elicits an unconditioned response. Operant conditioning is the process of modifying behavior by following specific behaviors with positive or negative consequences. Reinforcement enhances desirable behavior, while punishment and extinction diminish undesirable behavior.
Bandura Social Learning Theory
Learning occurs when we observe other people and model their behavior. Workers are likely to pattern their own actions after their supervisors.
The notion of task-specific self-efficacy: an individuals' internal expectancy to perform a specific task effectively.
Reinforcement
A strategy to cultiate desirable behavior by either bestowing positive consequences or withholding negative consequences
Goal Setting
The process of establishing desired results that guide and direct behavior. SMART goals: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound.
MBO
Management by Objectives- a goal-setting program based on interaction and negotiation between employees and managers.
Performance Management
A process of defining, measuring, appraising, providing feedback on and improving performance.
Performance appraisisal
The evaluation of a person's performance
Kelley's Attribution Theory
Helps explain the behavior of other people. Individuals make attributiions based on information gathered in the form of three informational cues: consensus, distinctiveness and consistency.
Explain how goal setting can be used to direct learning and performance
Goal setting is the process of establishing desired results that guide and direct behavior. Goals often increase employee effort and motivation, which in turn improve task performance. Goal setting also reduces the role of stress associated with conflicting and confusing expectations because it clarifies the task-role expectations for employees. The third major function of goal setting is improving the accuracy and validity of performance evaluation.
Identify ways managers can reward performance
Performance rewards can be pay, rewards, trust, fun, and meaningful work. Individual reward systems foster autonomous, independent behavior; and encourage creativity, problem solving and distinctive contributions. At the individual level, these include skill-based and pay-for-knowledge systems. Team reward systems encourage cooperation, joint efforts, and the sharing of information and expertise.
At the group level, gain-sharing plans emphasize collective cost reduction by allowing workers to share in the gains achieved by reducing production costs.
