Behaviorism and Motivation

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses the extent to which behaviorism explains employee motivation and reward. The paper looks at the roots of behaviorism, employee empowerment and at the motivational theory of reward.

Outline:
Introduction
History of Behaviorism
Motivational Theory in the Workforce
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Behaviorism's connection to cultural issues such as the development of employee motivation began in the 1920s as psychology became the viable domain for the development of a better understanding of human ills and needs. The trends of the culture of America were detailed and expounded upon by psychologists that attempted to answer the question of the perceived social problems of the day, including what some considered a lack of human motivation to work and be prosperous. (Lutz 1996, p. 259)"

Sample of Sources Used:

• Dew, J. R. (1997). Empowerment and Democracy in the Workplace: Applying Adult Education Theory and Practice for Cultivating Empowerment. Westport, CT: Quorum Books.
• Green, T. B., & Butkus, R. T. (1999). Motivation, Beliefs, and Organizational Transformation. Westport, CT: Quorum Books.
• Hoffman, W. M., & Fedo, D. A. (1994). Liberal Arts and Professional Education: a Response to Clarence C. Walton. In Business as a Humanity, Donaldson, T. J. & Freeman, R. E. (Eds.) (pp. 142-149). New York: Oxford University Press.
• Humphreys, L. G. (1994). An Unrepentant Author. Psychological Inquiry, 5(3), 211-214.
• Jackson, J. M. (1988). Social Psychology, Past and Present: An Integrative Orientation. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

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