Behaviour modification & learning

Organisational behaviour modification (OBM) model

This model shows a cycle for changing behaviour at work using rewards/punishments

OBM model process

1. Identify behaviour

   • Pick a specific behaviour to change (lateness, safety compliance)

     • Must be observable and measurable

2. Measure behaviour - track how often it happens

3. Analyse causes

   • Look at:

     • Antecedents (what triggers behaviour)

     • Consequences (what happens after)

4. Intervention

   • Introduce change:

     • Rewards (bonus, praise)

     • Punishments (warnings)

5. Evaluation - Did behaviour improve

Key evaluation of the OBM model

• works well for clear behaviours

• ignores thoughts & emotions

• behaviour may stop if rewards stop

Social learning theory (Bandura model)

This diagram shows people don’t just learn from rewards, they learn by watching other

Bandura Model

1. Attention

   • You notice someone's behaviour

2. Retention

   • You remember it

3. Production

   • You try to copy it

4. Motivation

   • You continue if rewarded

Bobo doll experiment

Children watched a video of an adult attacking a bobo doll and they copied the behaviour

Reciprocal Determinism

The diagram also shows interaction between behaviour, environment and cognition (thoughts)

Self-efficacy

This affects: goals you choose, efforts you put in, performance

Theory of Planned Behaviour

Thoughts - intentions - behaviour

Core structure of Theory of Planned Behaviour

1. Attitude

2. Subjects Norm

3. Perceived behavioural control

This can lead to..

1. Intention

2. Behaviour

Evaluation of Theory of planned behaviour

• good at predicting behaviour

• assumes people are rational

• ignored impulsive actions

Classical conditioning

Two stimuli are linked together to produce a new learned response

Operant conditioning

A process that attempts to modify behaviour by using positive and negative reinforcement

Rewards used by organisations to reinforce behaviours

• financial

• job-related

• social context

• personal