Foundations

of Individual Behavior

Chapter 2 1
 Learning Objectives
• Define key biographical characteristics
• Identify two types of ability
• Shape the behavior of others
• Examine four schedules of reinforcement
• Clarify the role of punishment in learning

Chapter 2 2
 Biographical
Characteristics

Age

Chapter 2 3
 Biographical
Characteristics

Gender

Chapter 2 4
 Biographical
Characteristics

Marital Status

Chapter 2 5
 Biographical
Characteristics

Tenure

Chapter 2 6
 Intellectual Abilities
• Number aptitude
• Verbal comprehension
• Perceptual speed
• Inductive reasoning
• Deductive reasoning
• Spatial visualization
• Memory ability

Chapter 2 7
Basic Physical Abilities

Strength Other Flexibility

Factors Factors Factors

Chapter 2 8
 The Ability-Job Fit

• Abilities of the
employee
• Requirements of
the job

Chapter 2 9
Classical
Classical Conditioning
Conditioning

Chapter 2 10
Chapter 2 11
Operant
Operant Conditioning
Conditioning

Chapter 2 12
Chapter 2 13
Social
Social Learning
Learning Theory
Theory
Learn by observing others and through direct experiences

Models have influence when the following processes occur:

Attentional Reconize

Retention Remember
Motor Reproduction Do

Reinforcement Get rewarded

Chapter 2 14
 Positive Negative
Reinforcement Reinforcement

Methods of
Shaping Behavior

Punishment Extinction

Chapter 2 15
 Types of Reinforcement

Continuous Intermittent
Reinforces desired Reinforces desired
behavior every time behavior often
enough to make
behavior worth
repeating

Chapter 2 16
 Schedules of Reinforcement
Interval Ratio
Fixed

Fixed- Fixed-
Interval Ratio
Variable

Variable- Variable-
Interval Ratio

Chapter 2 17
Behavior Modification:
Emery Air Freight

Chapter 2 18
 Behavior Modification

• Critical behaviors

• Baseline data

• Behavioral consequences

• Intervention strategy

• Performance improvement
Chapter 2 19
Organizational Applications
• Lotteries to reduce absenteeism
• Well pay versus sick pay
• Training programs
• Mentoring programs

Chapter 2 20