Episode 12: Carrots and Sticks 2.0 with Dr. Richard (Dick) Malott

The Management Theory Toolbox

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!

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 organizatio

Chapters

1. Understanding Operant Conditioning and Behavioral Science (00:00:00)

2. Behavioral Contingencies and Rule-Governed Behavior (00:05:48)

3. Effective Feedback Mechanisms in Workplace (00:19:37)