Hypotheses on Reinforcing Properties of Incentives Contingent upon Performance.
Abstract
A field study was conducted with 12 mountain beaver trappers to examine the effects of two schedules of monetary reinforcement (continuous and VR-4) on job performance, and to identify the reinforcing characteristics of these two reinforcement schedules. Consistent with operant theory, performance was higher on the VR-4 schedule than on the continuous schedule. Of major interest was the finding that 9 of the 12 trappers reported setting specific goals for themselves as a result of the incentive program. Those trappers who set goals had higher performance than those who did not specific goals. Interviews and questionnaires indicated that the VR-4 schedule may have been effective because it was perceived by the workers as containing many job enrichment variables such as bringing about feelings of accomplishment, recognition, variety, and feedback. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA102116
Entities
People
- Gary P. Latham
- Lise M. Saari
Organizations
- University of Washington