Case study : Learning Managers who use punishment

Prepared by: Rajendra Timilsina

Q1. What conditions, if any, do you think justify the use of punishment?
Ans: I think punishment is not always effective way to increase sales. Because it may work once, a while not every time. There are some conditions when we can use as punishment, for example: When employee willingly violating the rules. When reinforcement fail to correct employee behavior When an employees performance is unacceptable and he are not worried about that and he also do not to try to improve the performance. For some people who are related to public embarrassment works could be a result by giving punishment. When an employee has a negative consequences for poor performance. If there positive reinforcement that employees should earn. In case of punishment I prefer the three strikes method, such as a verbal warning then being written up and if the problem persists, termination

2. Do you think most managers use punishment? If so, why?

Ans: I do think that most managers use punishment because it is necessary in some instances to keep employees on track. There are some forms of punishment in business for those who choose not to follow the rules. But, before using punishment manager should use reinforcement to keep employee on the track, when employee will not lessen, then manager should definitely use punishment.

3. Whats the downside of using punishment? Of using positive reinforcement?

Ans: The downside of using punishment is the negative impact that it could have on an employee. It can cause offense and fear in the employee which is not productive. Punishments reduce the job satisfaction and job commitment which affects the employee productivity. I really do not see a downside for using positive reinforcement because by motivating an employee it makes them feel better and want to please organization by doing better.

4. Have you ever worked for a boss that used punishment? What was your behavioral response?
Ans: No, I have not yet worked for a boss who uses punishment. If I would work under a boss who uses punishment, I would take decision according to the situation. For example, if the boss use punishment and it is the reason of my fault, I would try to increase my performance. But if the boss uses punishment every time to correct my behavior, I would have to think others. I would search others jobs and leave the organization.