Reinforcement Theory
A counterpoint to the goal-setting theory.
- In reinforcement theory, a behavioristic approach, which argues that reinforcement conditions behavior.
- Reinforcement theorists see behavior as being behaviorally caused.
- Reinforcement theory ignores the inner state of the individual and concentrates solely on what happens to a person when he or she takes some action.
- Because it does not concern itself with what initiates behavior, it is not, strictly speaking, a theory of motivation.
- It does however provide a powerful means of analysis of what controls behavior.