Contemporary Theories Of Motivation (cont. Reinforcement Theory behavior is solely a function of its consequences behavior is externally caused -reorcers consequences that,when given immediately following a behavior,affect the probability that the behavior will be repeated managers can influence employees'behavior by reinforcing actions deemed desirable emphasis in on positive reinforcement,not punishment ©Prentice Hall,2002 16-20 Reinforcement Theory – behavior is solely a function of its consequences • behavior is externally caused – reinforcers - consequences that, when given immediately following a behavior, affect the probability that the behavior will be repeated • managers can influence employees’ behavior by reinforcing actions deemed desirable • emphasis in on positive reinforcement, not punishment Contemporary Theories Of Motivation (cont.) © Prentice Hall, 2002 16-20