Psychology
Operant Conditioning Principles Applied to Workplace Motivation
Quick fact
B.F. Skinner’s pigeon experiments in the 1950s showed that random rewards (variable ratio) could create persistent behavior—a principle now used in gamified incentive systems and sales commissions.
Why this is interesting
Why do some employees work harder when praised, while others need a bonus to stay motivated? The answer lies in how consequences—rewards or penalties—shape behavior in the workplace.