I’ll assume that the technique of “having a tough guy come in to punish employees by tackling them…without any positive praise/encouragement” is being used in this office. This strict method of motivation through punishment/pain could be very effective for employees to do their job better, because the employees are choosing to be there to make money for a living. The employees will just deal with the strict demands to do their job right because they have no other choice and the employer will quickly hire someone else if they decide not to put effort into their work because they aren’t motivated. But this method does inhibit creativity and innovation, and could hinder the company’s success if it’s a marketing, media, advertisement, etc. company. But it’s a slightly different story when it comes to motivation techniques in the classroom. Students in the classroom aren’t earning money for a living, and won’t be taking their work as seriously in general because of it. The students will shut down and put less effort into their work when only given punishment for their errors, rather than praise and encouragement for their accomplishments.
In my band/orchestra performing ensemble classes, I will mostly be using performing-contingent motivation to keep the students dedicated to their musicality and to keep them practicing often and efficiently. I will provide constant feedback about the students’ playing, and provide encouraging praise consistently, but not too often.
You bring in an interesting point, that the workers ARE choosing to come to the office everyday, despite the danger. They also, likely, chose their job because it's something they enjoy.
ReplyDeleteThe workplace and classroom have SOME parallels.... Adults NEED to work, no matter what, to get money and live. Students aren't really given a choice whether to go to school. It's just what's necessary. Also, both environments tend to emphasize rewards (in grades/money). For students, sometimes teh grades become the reward. I'm sure you've seen students who are only happy when they maintain their A average. It's true that both SHOULD include an aspect of interest and choice in them. Students could be given a choice of projects that interest them, or, in college, students can choose their classes based on their own goals.