Ever wonder why your team behaves the way they do? In this episode of The Management Theory Toolbox, we pull back the curtain on the psychology of reinforcement schedules—techniques that could be the secret sauce to boosting your team’s motivation and performance. Whether you're looking to fine-tune your leadership style or curious about the science behind behavior, this episode is a must-listen!

Episode Summary:
Welcome back to The Management Theory Toolbox! I'm your host, Travis Mallett, and today, we're wrapping up our series on operant conditioning with a deep dive into the powerful concept of reinforcement schedules. These are the invisible forces that shape behavior in the workplace—and beyond.

Joined by Dr. Hank Schlinger, a renowned expert in behavior analysis from California State University, we explore different types of reinforcement schedules, including fixed and variable intervals and ratios, and their profound impact on employee behavior. We’ll discuss real-world applications, like how slot machines and even smartphones use these principles to keep us hooked, and how you can ethically apply them in your organization to boost morale and productivity.

We also address a critical question: Can manipulating reinforcement schedules turn employees into mere machines? Dr. Schlinger sheds light on this ethical dilemma, arguing that when done right, these techniques can actually make your team feel more valued and motivated.

Guest Resources:

• Dr. Hank Schlinger
  • Google Scholar - Explore Dr. Schlinger’s extensive research in behavior analysis.
  • California State University, Los Angeles Profile - Learn more about Dr. Schlinger’s academic contributions.
  • How to Build Good Behavior and Self-Esteem in Children (and other books) - Dr. Schlinger’s latest book, a practical guide for parents and educators.
  • www.buildgoodbehavior.com - Website for Dr. Schlinger's latest book.

Key Takeaways:

• Variable Ratio Schedules: These schedules can lead to high levels of persistence in behavior, making them powerful tools in both motivation and habit formation.
• Ethical Considerations: Reinforcement schedules aren’t just about getting what you want; they can also be used to make employees feel acknowledged and valued.
• Real-World Applications: From casinos to classrooms, understanding the science behind reinforcement can help you design more effective and ethical management strategies.

Call to Action:
This week, take a moment to reflect on the reinforcements you’re offering in your workplace. Are you consistently rewarding the behaviors you want to see, or are you leaving it up to chance? Try experimenting with a variable ratio schedule and see if it leads to better results. And remember, it’s not just about productivity—it's about creating a work environment where your team feels genuinely valued.

Thank you for joining us on this episode of The Management Theory Toolbox. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow managers and leaders who are keen to unlock the full potential of their teams. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll explore the impact of social interactions on employee learning. Until then, keep learning, keep growing, and keep adding to your management theory toolbox!

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to the concept of extinction in behavioral psychology.
• Explanation of operant conditioning and its application in the workplace.
• Examples from "The Big Bang Theory" illustrating positive reinforcement and extinction.
• Detailed discussion with Dr. Michael Domjan on the process and effects of extinction.
• Real-world examples of applying extinction to undesirable workplace behaviors.
• The importance of careful implementation to avoid frustration and aggression.

Key Topics:

• Operant Conditioning: Modifying behavior through reinforcement.
• Extinction: Reducing behaviors by removing positive reinforcers.
• Paradoxical Reward Effects: How intermittent reinforcement can lead to greater persistence.
• Practical Tips: Gradual phasing out of reinforcers and managing expectations.

Guest Expert: Dr. Michael Domjan

• Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin.
• Expert in conditioning and learning with over 50 years of teaching experience.
• Author and co-author of numerous publications (over 200), including "The Essentials of Conditioning and Learning."

Related Resources:

1. Dr. Michael Domjan's YouTube Channel: Learning and Behavior: Key Concepts by M. Domjan
2. Book: The Essentials of Conditioning and Learning (5th Edition)
3. Research Article: R. Hinkin and C. A. Schreisheim, "If You Don't Hear from Me You Know You Are Doing Fine: The Effects of Management Nonresponse to Employee Performance," Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quarterly 45 (2004): 362-373.

Connect with Dr. Michael Domjan:

• Faculty Page at the University of Texas at Austin
• Google Scholar
• ResearchGate

Upcoming Episodes:

• Stay tuned for our next episode where we dive into schedules of reinforcement and their applications in management.

Join the Conversation:

• Share your thoughts and experiences with extinction and reinforcement in the workplace.
• Follow Travis Mallett on LinkedIn.

Subscribe and Review:

• Don't forget to subscribe to The Management Theory Toolbox on your favorite podcast platform.
• Leave us a review to help others discover the show and improve our content.

Key Topics:

• Blame and Punishment:
  • Examination of blame and punishment as tools for maintaining organizational balance.
  • Discussion on the psychological and organizational impacts of these mechanisms.
• Norms and Behavior:
  • Importance of norms in guiding behavior and responses to violations.
  • Punishment should be a last resort; other corrective measures are preferable.

Takeaways:

• Harsh punishment can be destructive and damaging to organizational climate.
• Punishment should be a last resort; other corrective measures should precede it.
• Importance of norms in governing behavior and responses to violations.
• Distinction between private and public blame, and the importance of fair and constructive criticism.
• Exploration of restorative justice as an alternative to punitive measures in organizations.

Further Reading:

• Podsakoff et al. (2006), "Relationships Between Leader Reward Behavior and Punishment Behavior and Subordinate Attitudes, Perceptions, and Behaviors: A Meta-Analytic Review" Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes.
• Trevino (1992), "The Social Effects of Punishment in Organizations: A Justice Perspective" Academy of Management Review.
• Molemaker et al. (2016), "The Impact of Personal Responsibility on the (Un)Willingness to Punish Non-Cooperation and Reward Cooperation" Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes.

Links to Our Guest:

• Dr. Bertram Malle, Brown University. 
  • Brown University Faculty Directory 
  • Social Cognitive Science Research Lab
  • Google Scholar

Bertram F. Malle [Guest] earned his Master’s degrees in philosophy/linguistics (1987) and psychology (1989) at the University of Graz, Austria.  After coming to the United States in 1990 he received his Ph.D. at Stanford University in 1995 and joined the University of Oregon Psychology Department.  Since 2008 he is Professor at the Department of Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences at Brown University.  He received the Society of Experimental Social Psychology Outstanding Dissertation award, a National Science Foundation CAREER award, and he is past president of the Society of Philosophy and Psychology. Malle’s research has been funded by the NSF, Army, Templeton Foundation, Office of Naval Research, and DARPA. He has distributed his work in 130 articles and several books, on the topics of  social cognition (intentionality, mental state inferences, behavior explanations), moral psychology (cognitive and social blame, guilt, norms), and human-robot interaction (moral competence in robots, socially assistive robotics). 

Key Points:

• Operant Conditioning and Behavior:
  • Explore the basics of operant conditioning and its relevance to management.
  • Discussion of Jeremy Bentham's Panopticon and its implications for behavior management.
  • The role of observation in influencing behavior.
  • Distinction between direct and indirect acting contingencies.
• Interview with Dr. Dick Malott:
  • Background and work of Dr. Malott in behavior analysis.
  • Consistency of operant conditioning principles across different groups (rats, students, managers, children with autism).
  • Explanation of behavioral contingencies and categories (unlearned/learned rewards and aversive conditions).
  • The importance of rule-governed behavior and rules that are easy to follow.
• Behavioral Management in Organizations:
  • Effective implementation of behavior management strategies in the workplace.
  • Importance of easy-to-follow rules with immediate, significant, and likely outcomes.
  • Examples of effective performance management in educational and organizational settings.
  • Challenges in implementing and maintaining behavior management systems.
• Practical Takeaways:
  • Reflect on feedback mechanisms in your workplace.
  • Redesign processes to make rules clearer and feedback more immediate.

Relevant Articles:

1. Greer, C. R., Lusch, R. F., & Hitt, M. A. (2017). "A Service Perspective for Human Capital Resources: A Critical Base for Strategy Implementation," Academy of Management Perspectives, 31: 137-158.
2. Podsakoff, P. M., Bommer, W. H., Podsakoff, N. P., & MacKenzie, S. B. (2006). "Relationships Between Leader Reward Behavior and Punishment Behavior and Subordinate Attitudes, Perceptions, and Behaviors: A Meta-Analytic Review of Existing and New Research," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 99: 113-142.
3. Trevino, L. K. (1992). "The Social Effects of Punishment in Organizations: A Justice Perspective," Academy of Management Review, 17: 647-676.
4. Molenmaker, W. E., Kwaadsteniet, E. W., & van Dyjk, E. (2016). "The Impact of Personal Responsibility on the (Un)Willingness to Punish Non-Cooperation and Reward Cooperation," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 134: 1-15.
5. Podsakoff, P. M., & Mackenzie, S. B. (1997). "Impact of Organizational Citizenship Behavior on Organizational Performance: A Review and Suggestions for Future Research," Human Performance, 10(2): 133-151.

Link to Dr. Dick Malott's Book:

• Principles of Behavior

Next Episode Teaser:

• Stay tuned for our next episode, where we explore blame and punishment in the context of organizational learning. In the meantime, keep learning, keep growing, and keep adding to your management theory toolbox!

Dr. Richard Malott [Guest], with more than 40 years of experience at Western Michigan University, has used the principles of behavior to construct teaching models and behavioral systems that have been sustained over several decades. As a result, he has taught generations of students to use behavior analysis in their everyday lives as learners, teachers, practitioners, and citizens, and has provided the training grounds for many of the field's leaders in behavioral systems design. Richard Malott is a prolific, creative, and engaging writer who has authored some of the field's most important and widely read publications, including Elementary Principles of Behavior (first with Donald Whaley and then with Maria E. Malott and Elizabeth Trojan Suarez), which is in its eight ed

Key Discussion Points:

• Understanding Mechanisms for Institutional Change: How different mechanisms influence behavior and the importance of choosing the right one to avoid unintended results.
• Broad Definition of Learning: Learning extends beyond knowledge acquisition to include changes in behavior based on experiences.
• Operant Conditioning: Explanation of consequence-based learning, where behaviors are influenced by rewards or punishments.
• Behaviorism and Its Applications: Insights into B.F. Skinner’s behaviorism and its real-world applications, including in animal studies and human behavioral modification.
• Evolutionary Perspective: Discussion on how evolutionary psychology provides a broader understanding of learning mechanisms beyond operant conditioning.
• Failures of Operant Conditioning: Examples where operant conditioning fails to explain human behavior and the importance of alternative mechanisms like social learning.
• Gene-Culture Coevolution: How human genetic evolution interacts with cultural practices, illustrated by the evolution of lactose tolerance.
• Practical Implications for Leaders and Managers: The necessity of understanding multiple social mechanisms to effectively manage and influence behavior in organizational settings.

Additional Resources from Dr. Max Krasnow:

• Lab Website: Evolutionary Psychology Lab
• Key Publications:
  • Mehr, S. A., Krasnow, M. M., Bryant, G. A., Hagen, E. A. (preprint). Origins of music in credible signaling.
  • Krasnow, M. M., Delton, A. W. (preprint). Is it modeling the world or hacking the model?
  • Eisenbruch, A., Krasnow, M. M. (preprint). Why warmth matters more than competence: New evolutionary models. Link to preprint
  • Howard, R. M., Spokes, A. C., Mehr, S. A., Krasnow, M. M. (preprint). Welfare tradeoff psychology is present in children and adults. Link to preprint
  • Mehr, S. A., Singh, M., York, H. W., Glowacki, L., Krasnow, M. M. (2018). Form and function in human song. Current Biology, 28(3) 356-368.

Upcoming Episodes:

• Next Episode: Diving deeper into operant conditioning with a focus on positive and negative reinforcement.

Call to Action:

• Feedback Mechanism Exercise: Sketch out feedback mechanisms in your work environment that produce positive or negative consequences and consider their broader impact beyond simple conditioning.

Max Krasnow [Guest], received his Ph.D in Psychology from the University of California at Santa Barbara in the area of Developmental and Evolutionary Psychology. His primary line of research focuses on the evolutionary origins and computational design of the mechanisms underlying human cooperation and social behavior. One line of this research, appearing in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, has explored how facets of the ancestral information landscape—that the future of any interaction is uncertain—conspire with distinctive features of the hominin social niche to select for organisms that are more generous, trusting and cooperative than an otherwise rational analysis would predict. In related work, he has shown in a series of behavioral experiments how these and other fundamental components of human social behavior, like our concern for the treatment of others and our punitive sentiments towards bad actors, show intricate design to support the cultivation of mutually beneficial cooperative relationships and to improve their terms when they begin to function poorly.

Unlock the secrets to a thriving learning culture within your organization as Dr. James McKenna peels back the layers on why traditional training methods often fall short. With a focus on creating environments where upskilling and reskilling become second nature, we engage in a dialogue that challenges the conventional wisdom on workplace learning. You'll walk away with a new perspective on the Universal Design for Learning framework and how it can revolutionize your team's growth.

• HBR Article: "Build a Strong Learning Culture on Your Team" by James McKenna
• Upskill, Reskill, Thrive: Optimizing Learning and Development in the Workplace by James McKenna, EdD
• HBR Article: "Why Great Employees Leave “Great Cultures” by Melissa Daimler
• Universal Design for Learning at CAST.org
•  Marine Corps’ Learning Philosophy -  MCDP 7

Dr. James McKenna [Guest] is an award-winning educator, speaker, and consultant with more than 20 years of experience in learning design and development, inclusive practices, and teaching and training. He is the author of Upskill, Reskill, Thrive! Optimizing Learning & Development in the Workplace (2023).

Travis C. Mallett [Host],  received the Masters of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Management from Harvard University Extension School, where he has also earned Professional Graduate Certificates in both Organizational Behavior and Strategic Management. Travis previously received undergraduate degrees in Electrical Engineering, General Mathematics, and Music from Washington State University. He also served as an Engineering Manager at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, where he led a team responsible for developing and maintaining SEL's highest-selling product line. An innovative force in engineering, Travis holds numerous patents and has authored papers and books across diverse subjects. His passion for continuous learning and organizational excellence propels him to explore and illuminate the intricacies of management theories. Through his podcast, "The Management Theory Toolbox", he offers valuable insights on effective leadership, business innovation, and strategic methodologies. 

Unlock the secrets of a thriving workplace where innovation flourishes and competitive edges are sharpened. Join us as we sit down with cognitive science aficionado Dr. Ryan Smerek to dissect the fascinating parallels between individual development and organizational evolution. We delve into the neural networks that define human learning and mirror the sophisticated adaptive systems within top-tier companies. Drawing from Dr. Smerek's expertise, we decode the cognitive science metaphors shaping our understanding of learning, from the conceptual mind as a computer to the intricate dance of intuitive and reflective thinking. This episode is your ticket to unraveling the complexities that drive both personal growth and large-scale organizational change.

Dr. Ryan Smerek [Guest]  is an Associate Professor & Associate Director of Academic Affairs at Master of Science in Learning & Organizational Change at Northwestern University where he teaches classes on learning and development, organizational learning, design thinking, cognitive design, and people analytics. He is the author of “Speaking Up at Work: Leading Change as an Independent Thinker,” and “Organizational Learning and Performance: The Science and Practice of Building a Learning Culture." Both books integrate compelling stories with scientific research about how to make a positive difference in organizations.

Travis C. Mallett [Host],  received the Masters of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Management from Harvard University Extension School, where he has also earned Professional Graduate Certificates in both Organizational Behavior and Strategic Management. Travis previously received undergraduate degrees in Electrical Engineering, General Mathematics, and Music from Washington State University. He also served as an Engineering Manager at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, where he led a team responsible for developing and maintaining SEL's highest-selling product line. An innovative force in engineering, Travis holds numerous patents and has authored papers and books across diverse subjects. His passion for continuous learning and organizational excellence propels him to explore and illuminate the intricacies of management theories. Through his podcast, "The Management Theory Toolbox", he offers valuable insights on effective leadership, business innovation, and strategic methodologies.

Uncover the transformative power of high involvement management as we dissect its role in shaping dynamic workplaces. Engaging employees has become an art, and with Dr. Alex Bryson at the helm of our discussion, we promise to illuminate how selective hiring, comprehensive training, and fostering autonomy can significantly impact both company performance and employee satisfaction. Yet, there's more than meets the eye in this intricate dance of management practices; we tackle the variables and complexities that make it a nuanced challenge, resisting the lure of one-size-fits-all solutions.

Witness the delicate interplay of ethical and philosophical considerations in managerial decisions, where the quest for productivity meets the guardianship of employee well-being. Through the lens of real-world implications, we navigate the conundrum of optimizing profits while cherishing the happiness of the teams we lead. With vivid insights into the paradoxical nature of management practices, Dr. Bryson helps us reflect on daily leadership choices that inherently define what is right and just within the sphere of organizational management. Join us for a compelling conversation that promises to elevate your understanding of the workplace and equip you with nuanced perspectives for your management toolkit.

Dr. Alex Bryson [Guest]  is Professor of Quantitative Social Science at UCL’s Social Research Institute, and a Research Fellow at the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, the IZA Institute of Labor Economics and WISERD. He is Chief Editor of Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society and an editor of the Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Series A and the Journal of Participation and Employee Ownership.

Travis C. Mallett [Host],  received the Masters of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Management from Harvard University Extension School, where he has also earned Professional Graduate Certificates in both Organizational Behavior and Strategic Management. Travis previously received undergraduate degrees in Electrical Engineering, General Mathematics, and Music from Washington State University. He also served as an Engineering Manager at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, where he led a team responsible for developing and maintaining SEL's highest-selling product line. An innovative force in engineering, Travis holds numerous patents and has authored papers and books across diverse subjects. His passion for continuous learning and organizational excellence propels him to explore and illuminate the intricacies of management theories. Through his podcast, "The Management Theory Toolbox", he offers valuable insights on effective leadership, business innovation, and strategic methodologies.

Ready to unlock the transformative power of High Involvement Management? Prepare yourself for an intense journey through management practices that prioritize value for people and their growth. Our exploration begins with the captivating concept of organizations as living systems, akin to the intricate neural networks of the human brain. As we delve into the principles of positive organizational behavior and positive psychology, you'll encounter practical, intuitive management tools that infuse life into these systems.

Dive further into the episode as we dissect the stark differences between successful and less successful management styles. How can we strike that delicate balance between business necessities and valuing people? Learn about the importance of training and empowerment for new hires, along with the risks and rewards of granting decision-making power to associates.

Robert Lopez, Jr. [Guest]  retired from Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) after 34 years, having joined as their thirteenth employee in 1987. Starting as a test technician, he rose to senior engineering manager, known for developing reliable products and solving complex equipment issues. Robert valued teamwork and personal growth, both in his professional and personal life, emphasizing community service and mentorship. Post-retirement, he plans to coach youth sports, mentor a robotics team, and teach calculus, while also spending more time with his family. His tenure at SEL is remembered for his dedication to technical excellence and a strong commitment to serving others. 

Travis C. Mallett [Host],  is  a Masters of Liberal Arts (ALM) degree candidate at Harvard University Extension School, where he has also earned Professional Graduate Certificates in both Organizational Behavior and Strategic Management. Travis previously received undergraduate degrees in Electrical Engineering, General Mathematics, and Music from Washington State University. He also served as an Engineering Manager at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, where he led a team responsible for developing and maintaining SEL's highest-selling product line. An innovative force in engineering, Travis holds numerous patents and has authored papers and books across diverse subjects. His passion for continuous learning and organizational excellence propels him to explore and illuminate the intricacies of management theories. Through his podcast, "The Management Theory Toolbox", he offers valuable insights on effective leadership, business innovation, and strategic methodologies.

Want to dive in even deeper? Visit the full show notes for this episode.

Looking to dramatically elevate your organization’s performance metrics? Brace yourselves as we embark on a deep-dive into the riveting world of Positive Organizational Behavior (POB). We'll unravel the intriguing connection between organizational health, self-efficacy, team-efficacy, and success. Imagine your organization as a living system, needing a nurturing touch to blossom to its full potential. We explore how leaders can cultivate this environment using POB, fostering robust relationships and positive psychological capital.

Let's also venture into the shadows with our guest Ryan McCreedy, a seasoned organizational effectiveness consultant and teaching fellow at Harvard University.  Ever considered job satisfaction to be more than just a dopamine hit? We navigate the concept of eudaimonic well-being and how it serves as a more accurate measure of job satisfaction. Lastly, prepare to rethink traditional management concepts as we spotlight High-Involvement Management and its connection to POB. Prepare for an insightful journey that will transform your perspective on organizational health and success.

Ryan T. W. McCreedy [Guest], is a Leadership and Organizational Psychology scholar-practitioner based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, dedicated to creating inclusive, equitable workforces and economic systems. He works as a Principal Organizational Effectiveness Consultant at Slalom Consulting in Boston, focusing on talent and organizational development for Fortune 100 clients, and leads Slalom's global Leadership and Team Development capabilities. With a background in engineering and behavioral sciences, Ryan has contributed to transformative changes in various industries. He also engages in organizational behavior research and helps teach graduate courses at Harvard. Ryan holds several degrees, including a B.S. from George Mason University, an A.L.M from Harvard Extension School, and is pursuing a doctoral degree at William James College focusing in applications of neuroscience in workplaces. Beyond his professional life, he enjoys brewing beer, cooking, music, philosophical discussions, and traveling with his wife Hannah. 

• Ryan T. W. McCreedy's Harvard Scholar Page
• Ryan T. W. McCreedy's Google Scholar Page

Travis C. Mallett [Host],  received the Masters of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Management from Harvard University Extension School, where he has also earned Professional Graduate Certificates in both Organizational Behavior and Strategic Management. Travis previously received undergraduate degrees in Electrical Engineering, General Mathematics, and Music from Washington State University. He also served as an Engineering Manager at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, where he led a team responsible for developing and maintaining SEL's highest-selling product line. An innovative force in engineering, Travis holds numerous patents and has authored papers and books across diverse subjects. His passion for continuous learning and organizational excellence propels him to explore and illuminate the intricacies of management theories. Through his podcast, "The Management Theory Toolbox", he offers valuable insights on effective leadership, business innovation, and strategic methodologies.

Want to dive in even deeper? Visit the full show notes for this episode.