Carrot
and Stick Theory of Motivation
- The Carrot and Stick theory of motivation is based on the principles of reinforcement.
- The Theory was given by a philosopher Jeremy Bentham, during the time of industrial revolution.
- This theory is derived from the old story of a donkey, the best way to move him is to put a carrot in front of him and jab him with a stick from behind.
- In this theory, the carrot is treated as reward for moving while the stick is treated as the punishment for not moving and hence making him move forcefully.
- Thus, an individual is given carrot i.e. reward when he performs efficiently and is jabbed with a stick or is given a punishment in case of poor or non-performance.
- Again, in this theory, carrot refers to positive motivation; and stick refers to negative motivation.
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Carrots (rewards) :
As per this theory, rewards can be classified into two classes:
Monetary
rewards: Such rewards are those
which can be measured in terms of money like - Wages/ salaries paid in cash , Pay
increment on a regular basis, Cash awards, (iv) Payment of allowances in cash
Non-monetary
rewards: Such rewards are those
which cannot be measured in terms of money and like – Promotion, authority, assignment
of challenging work, Certificates of merit, Status etc.
Sticks (penalties or punishment):
Again
punishment can be classified in the
following ways:
Monetary
punishment: Loss of job, imposement of fines, penalties,withholding
annual salary increment etc.
Non-monetary
punishment: Demotion, Transfer
to an inconvenient work place etc.
Conditions for Punishment:
While giving
punishments, the following points need to be taken care of:
- If an individual selects a desirable alternative behavior then punishment will be effective in modifying the behavior.
- The punishment is more effective when given at the time the undesirable behavior is actually performed.
- The management should make sure, that punishment is properly administered and does not become a reward for the undesirable behavior.
Thus, carrot and stick
approach of motivation should be applied carefully such that, both have the
positive motivational effect on the people in the organization.
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