It has been acknowledged that effective human resources management positively affects development of businesses. Admittedly, different companies often require different approaches and strategies. However, there are some universal principles which are applicable for every business. Behavior modification is one of such principles. It is important to understand what behavioral modification is and why it is important. It is also necessary to be aware of major tools which can be utilized.
First of all, it is necessary to define behavioral modification. Hence, behavioral modification is the process of changing employee’s behavior in accordance with a required behavioral pattern. In other words, this is the process of making employees follow certain standards. This can involve completing certain tasks in a specified manner, behaving in certain ways, etc. For instance, if an employee does not work hard enough, his/her supervisor can make the employee work as hard as others.
There are a number of tools to employ to achieve necessary results. Reinforcement is one of these tools. There are two types of reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is a process of encouraging and rewarding certain behavior. For instance, if an employee completes certain tasks properly or exceptionally, it is possible to reward him/her, i.e. to make him/her the best employee of the month, to provide some financial reward, etc.
Negative reinforcement presupposes removing some negative consequences for employees. For instance, if an employee was punished or had to complete a number of extra or unskilled tasks, it is possible to free him/her from completing the tasks when the employee’s behavior changes. Remarkably, reinforcement is one of the most effective ways to achieve desired behavioral patterns.
Punishment is another tool used to modify employees’ behavior. Punishment involves certain negative consequences for employees whose behavior is inappropriate. For instance, a discussion of problems with a supervisor can be one of such measures. Apart from this, fines can also be imposed. However, managers tend to resort to this tool quite rarely as it often negatively affects the atmosphere in the workplace. More so, it can have an opposite effect. Thus, if an employee underperforms, a fine can make the employee even less hard-working.
It is necessary to add that behavioral modification is very important as it helps companies function properly. Some think that firing employees who are not effective can be a good way out. Nevertheless, it is much more efficient to shape their behavior. For instance, employees can have some problems at home and this negatively affects their performance. However, even though they underperform for some period of time, they remain highly skilled workers. Admittedly, it is more effective to shape their behavior rather than try to find a new employee.
To sum up, it is necessary to note that behavior modification, which is the process of changing employees’ behavior in accordance with some standards, positively affects development of companies. Top management often resorts to reinforcement and punishment which can shape employees’ behavior. Though, it is necessary to remember that punishment is a less effective tool.