PROFESSIONAL SPORTS: REWARDING & PUNISHING THE SAME BEHAVIOUR

- By Group # 7

Case Study Presentation - 14th September 2010

Team Members Unni Krishnan Venkata Durga Prasad Vidya Vigirtheeswaran Vijay Vishnupriya

Professional sports: Rewarding and punishing the same behaviour Group7

Summary of the case

The case deals about handling the doping issues in sports field. Usage of performance enhancers are predominant in Baseball, Football and athletics. According to the policy it was random drug testing with 10 days suspension. Later it was changed to 50 games suspension for first time, 100 games for second time and life time ban for third time with fines. Problem The same organizing committee that punishes the intake of performance enhancers, also reinforces the behavior.

Professional sports: Rewarding and punishing the same behaviour Group7

Summary of the case (contd)

Rafael Palmeiro a baseball player tested positive for steroids and received 10 days suspension and forfeited $167000 of his $3 million salary. Barry Bonds have been reported for consuming performance enhancing drugs. But the allegations had never been enough to get him banned from baseball.

A similar situation prevailed in football where Jarrod Cooper tested positive for steroids and was suspended from the pre season games and the first four regular season games.
Professional sports: Rewarding and punishing the same behaviour Group7
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Questions & Answers

1. What type of reinforcement schedule does random drug testing represent? Is this type of schedule typically effective or ineffective?
Reinforcement Type: Variable interval schedule
This type of schedule is Effective because Done randomly & unexpected Unprepared for test High rate of response

Professional sports: Rewarding and punishing the same behaviour Group7

Questions & Answers

2. What are some examples of behaviors in typical organizations that supervisors reward but that may actually be detrimental to the organization as a whole? As a manager, what might you do to try to avoid the quandary?
When players take steroids, they are misleading their managers and their fans.

Initially, it may be rewarding because everyone involved gains from the profitability, i.e. revenue from increased game attendance, sports merchandise, increased popularity and success.

Professional sports: Rewarding and punishing the same behaviour Group7

Q2 Contd
But, when it is discovered that the baseball player achieved recognition with the aid of steroids he destroys the teams reputation and the loyalty the fans had for the team. In order to avoid this quandary, the following measures can be taken Random scrutiny Employees get rewards for achieving the targets in time. But in long run employees run for the targets ignoring the quality. Harshad Mehta case.

Surge in real estate prices

Professional sports: Rewarding and punishing the same behaviour Group7

Questions & Answers

3. If you were commissioner of baseball, what steps would you take to try to reduce the use of steroids in baseball? Is punishment likely to be the most effective deterrent? Why or why not?
The following steps can be taken to reduce usage of steroids. Random testing Counseling sessions Debarring the player Cancelling the benefits Filing the suit

Professional sports: Rewarding and punishing the same behaviour Group7

Q3 Contd
Punishment is not likely to be the most effective deterrent This will only cause players to stop playing and taking steroids for a certain period of time. But it will not teach them that they should not use it again.

Professional sports: Rewarding and punishing the same behaviour Group7

Questions & Answers

4. Is it ever okay to allow potentially unethical behaviors, which on the surface benefit organizations to persist? Why or why not?
No. We cannot allow unethical behavior. But based on the situation some unethical means can be entertained. Rama All employees who follow companys rules. Krishna Who do not follow all the rules but work for the interest of the company. Ravana Who have their own rules and regulations. Dhuryodhana No rules to follow.
Courtesy: Employee Classification in Future Group Business Today dated January 10, 2010

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Conclusion
Reinforcement plays a vital role in shaping the employees behavior to achieve the organization goal. The negative side effects, such as liver cancer, organ damage, psychological defects, hormonal changes and infertility.

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THANK YOU!