Skinners’s

Reinforcement
Theory
INTRODUCTION
➢ The Theory was proposed by B F Skinner.
➢ The Theory states that individual’s behaviour is a function of
its consequences.
➢ It is based on law of effect.
Reinforcement Meaning
The term reinforcement means to strengthen, and is used in
psychology to refer to anything stimulus which strengthens,
encouraging the designated behaviour, or increases the
probability of a specific response
Types of Reinforcement

● Positive Reinforcement
● Negative Reinforcement
● Punishment Reinforcement
● Extinction Reinforcement
Positive Reinforcement

★ Implies giving a positive response when an individual shows

positive and required behaviour.
★ This will increase probability of outstanding behaviour
occurring again.
★ For example: Immediately praising an employee for coming
early for job.
Negative Reinforcement

★ Involves the removal of a negative condition in order to

strengthen a behaviour.
★ Also known as avoidance.
★ For example: leaving home earlier than usual time in order
to avoid traffic.
Punishment Reinforcement

❏ Involves either representing or taking away a stimulus in

order to weaken a behaviour.
❏ Punishment can be equalised by positive reinforcement from
alternative source.
❏ For instance - Suspending an employee for breaking the
organisational rules.
Extinction Reinforcement
❖ It implies absence of reinforcements.
❖ Extinction implies lowering the probability of undesired
behaviour by removing rewards 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 fruitiful consequence.
ADVANTAGES OF REINFORCEMENT
THEORY

● Increase productivity
● Reduce absenteeism
● Increase safety behaviours
● Reduce lost time due to injuries
LIMITATIONS
● Reinforcement theory of motivation ignores the inner
feelings and drives individuals.
● This theory focuses totally on what happens to an individual
when he takes some action.
● It does not focus on the causes of individual behaviour.
CONCLUSION
➔ Reinforcement theory explains in detail how an individual
learns behaviour
➔ Managers must ensure that they do not reward all
employees simultaneously.
➔ Tell the employees what they are not doing correct and how
they can achieve positive reinforcement.